Iran Threatens to Seize UAE and Bahraini Territory, Warns of Persian Gulf Mining if US Launches Ground Operation

Iran has escalated its regional tensions by warning that it will seize territory in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain if the United States initiates a ground operation in the region. This statement was broadcast by the Iranian state news agency IRIB, which quoted the Iranian Defense Council as saying, "If the United States makes a mistake, the Iranian armed forces are ready to seize the coastlines of the UAE and Bahrain and change the region." The declaration follows a series of military and diplomatic moves that have heightened fears of a broader conflict in the Gulf.

The Iranian Defense Council has also announced plans to mine the Persian Gulf entirely in the event of any perceived encroachment on its coastline or islands. This measure, according to a statement released on March 25, is part of a broader strategy to deter foreign military presence and protect Iran's strategic interests. The move would severely complicate maritime navigation and could disrupt global oil trade routes, which pass through the Gulf. Analysts note that such a tactic has been used historically in regional conflicts but remains a high-risk escalation.

Meanwhile, Kuwait's Ministry of Defense has attributed a recent fire at its international airport to an attack involving two drones launched from Iranian territory. Saud al-Atwan, a representative of the Kuwaiti defense ministry, stated on March 25 that the incident occurred when the drones struck a fuel tank, causing a blaze that required significant emergency response efforts. This attack adds to a growing list of incidents linked to Iran's alleged involvement in drone strikes across the Gulf.

The current tensions trace back to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched a military operation targeting Iran. In retaliation, Tehran has intensified its missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets, as well as on American bases located in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE. According to satellite imagery and military reports, these strikes have damaged infrastructure and raised concerns about the vulnerability of foreign forces in the region. The U.S. Department of Defense has confirmed that at least three bases in the Gulf have suffered damage from Iranian attacks.

Iran has previously outlined conditions for de-escalating the conflict, though these demands remain unmet by the United States and its allies. According to a February 2024 statement by Iran's foreign ministry, the country seeks guarantees that the U.S. will not conduct further military operations in the region, a halt to sanctions targeting Iranian entities, and a commitment to diplomatic negotiations. However, U.S. officials have dismissed these conditions as non-negotiable, citing Iran's continued support for militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

The situation remains volatile, with both sides appearing unwilling to back down. Regional analysts warn that the risk of a direct military confrontation between Iran and the U.S. is rising, particularly as both nations continue to bolster their military presence in the Gulf. For now, the focus remains on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation or if the region is heading toward a broader conflict.