Escalation in the Gulf: Iran threatens the region's ports if attacked, Trump denies mines in Hormuz and attacks Spain

The Iranian armed forces have to target Middle Eastern ports if the country's maritime infrastructure is hit by Israel or the United States.

"If our ports and docks are threatened, all ports and docks in the region will become legitimate targets," a military spokesperson stated, according to state television. The Revolutionary Guards have struck three cargo ships and have issued a challenge to the United States and Israel: "Not a drop of oil will pass through the Strait, prepare to pay $200 a barrel". The U.S. armed forces responded by announcing possible raids against Iranian civilian ports.

From the White House, Donald Trump stated that he "does not believe" that Iran has placed mines in the Strait of Hormuz, adding that "there will be enormous security" in the area.

The American president also claimed: "We destroyed almost all of their minesweepers in one night. We have rendered their navy, their air force, and all their air defense systems inoperable." He then specified that American forces have destroyed 28 Iranian minesweepers, speaking to reporters in Ohio.

Trump then went on to threaten Spain - which has also recalled its ambassador to Israel - for its position on the war in Iran. "I could cut trade relations" with Madrid, he told reporters, adding: "The Spanish are a great people, the leadership not so much".

The head of the White House finally reiterated that "almost all of Iran has been destroyed" and that the U.S. military is hitting Tehran very hard, speaking to the press before departing for Ohio and Kentucky.