Will Iran actually mine the Persian Gulf shipping routes?

Iran has threatened to mine key maritime routes if the United States launches a ground operation — a move that could put up to 20% of global oil flows via the Strait of Hormuz at risk and trigger a major market shock. However, this is a trigger-based scenario, not an immediate action. Full mining would likely lead to direct military escalation and broader regional conflict. Most likely, Iran will continue limited pressure tactics rather than take such an extreme step — unless the war significantly escalates.