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Iran has detailed plans to hit Gulf undersea cables if war resumes, officials say
Reuters • • nation
Key Points:
- Iranian security officials revealed Tehran's detailed plans to target undersea communication cables in the Gulf if the US and Israel attack Iran again, aiming to disrupt internet and communication services by preventing repairs.
- Iran claims full access to these undersea cables near the Strait of Hormuz and warns Washington against provoking conflict, with threats extending to military bases and covert sites.
- Although undersea cables carry 99% of global internet traffic, the Strait of Hormuz accounts for less than 1% of international bandwidth, limiting the potential global impact of such attacks.
- Iran's threats are seen as a deterrent to renewed conflict, pressuring Gulf states and US companies to reconsider the risks of US policies, especially given the Gulf's investments in digital infrastructure and AI.
- Experts note that damage to cables could disrupt financial transactions and cloud computing, with repair efforts complicated by wartime conditions, while Gulf states and US firms are investing heavily to improve infrastructure resilience.
