Iran on Monday threatened to deploy naval mines across the entire Persian Gulf if any invasion or attack targets its coasts or islands, while reiterating warnings of retaliation against regional energy and water infrastructure.

In a statement, Iran’s Defense Council warned that “any attempt by the enemy to target Iran’s coasts or islands” would lead to the mining of all access routes in the Persian Gulf and along its coasts, using various types of naval mines, including drifting mines. It also said Iran would respond with “decisive” strikes on Gulf energy and water infrastructure if the United States attacks Iranian power plants.

The Iranian government insisted the Strait of Hormuz is not closed. It stated that “non-hostile vessels, or those belonging to or affiliated with other countries,” can pass safely if they coordinate with “the competent Iranian authorities” and do not participate in aggression against Iran. However, this assurance does not apply to “vessels, equipment, and any capacities belonging to the aggressing parties — namely the United States and Israel,” reported NPR.

U.S. intelligence officials report that at least a dozen Iranian mines are already present in the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to maritime traffic being at a near-standstill for most commercial shipping, per CBS News.

Trump’s Ultimatum and Extension

The threats came hours before President Donald Trump’s original 48-hour deadline — issued over the weekend — was set to expire Monday evening. Trump had vowed to “obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the strait remained closed to free navigation, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express.

Late Monday, Trump announced he is postponing any U.S. strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. He cited “very good and productive conversations” with Iran toward “a complete and total resolution” of hostilities. The extension is “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

The White House posted,  “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH, it’s the American way.”

 

Yet, Iran has denied that direct talks with the United States are taking place. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker, posted the following:

Kremlin Warning on Bushehr Nuclear Plant

The Kremlin warned Monday that any strike on Iran’s Russian-built Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant would lead to “irreparable consequences.” Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that strikes on nuclear facilities are “potentially extremely dangerous and fraught with possibly irreparable consequences.” He added that dialogue is the only way to defuse the “catastrophically tense situation.” 

Global Energy Impact

International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol, speaking in Australia, called the energy crisis triggered by the Iran conflict a “major, major threat” to the global economy. He warned that “no country will be immune” if the situation continues, and described the impact as potentially exceeding the combined effects of the 1973 and 1979 oil shocks, per The New York Times.

Oil and Gas Prices (as of late March 23, 2026)

Brent crude fell sharply on news of the deadline extension, dropping more than 10% intraday to trade around $99–104 per barrel (down from earlier highs near $113–114). Prices remain significantly elevated compared to pre-crisis levels.

The U.S. national average gas price stood at $3.956 per gallon according to AAA, up nearly 35% from a month ago amid the ongoing disruptions.

The situation remains highly fluid. While the five-day extension offers a brief diplomatic window, Iran’s mine threat, selective strait policy, and retaliation warnings are unchanged, and U.S. intelligence confirms mines are already in place. Markets reacted positively to the de-escalation signal, but analysts caution that any breakdown in talks could quickly reverse the oil price drop.