Security
Iran's destructive actions in Strait of Hormuz contradict public claims
Historically, the Iranian regime has deployed mines in the Strait of Hormuz when tensions were high, and the current situation suggests a potential repeat.
![A motorboat cruises along the shore off the town of al-Jeer on the Strait of Hormuz in the northern emirate of Ras al-Khaimah, with a tanker seen in the background, on February 25, 2026. [Fadel Senna/AFP]](/gc1/images/2026/03/25/55090-hormuz_uae-600_384.webp)
By Al-Fassel |
The Iranian regime's claim of permitting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is severely undermined by reports of them placing mines in the strategic waterway.
Mining the Strait of Hormuz indiscriminately endangers all vessels, including commercial, and is an undeniable act of terrorism.
In addition, it presents a threat that would need to be countered by mine sweeping operations.
A July 2025 report stated the Iranian military loaded naval mines onto vessels in the Persian Gulf, suggesting preparations to mine the Strait of Hormuz.
The Iranian regime’s actions have shown a willingness to endanger vessels across the Persian Gulf.
On March 1, the Greek-owned ship Ocean Electra was among 4 attacked near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ocean Electra was reportedly hit by a drone or missile and navigation apps showed that the ship was headed to Dubai's Al-Hamriya port.
Spanish-flagged vessel Hercules Star was also hit, 20 nautical miles off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.
Concerns over repeated denials
Despite official denials, the Iranian regime's actions in the Strait of Hormuz raise serious concerns regarding its actual intentions.
Following Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei's call on March 12 to close the Strait, regime's foreign ministry instead stated passing vessels must coordinate with the Iranian navy.
Senior officers of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh have publicly denied any intent to close the strait.
Khatibzadeh also mentioned on March 6, that any closure of the strait by the Iranian regime would be preceded by an official announcement.
Provocative actions
However, these assurances are directly contradicted by the regime's hostile and provocative actions in the region.
On March 7, The IRGC announced its drone strike on the oil tanker 'Prima' in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it ignored traffic warnings.
In addition, a minimum of three tankers sustained damage off the Gulf coast, and one seafarer died as a result.
These events have fueled concerns that the Iranian regime may be escalating its activities in the strait, potentially through the past tactic of mining the waterway.
The regime has a history of mining the Strait of Hormuz during periods of high tension, and the current circumstances appear comparable.
The international community remains highly vigilant, closely monitoring all developments that could destabilize the region.