Iran Threatens Gulf Internet Cables if War Resumes
Iran has reportedly prepared plans to attack undersea communication cables in the Persian Gulf if the United States and Israel launch renewed military strikes against Tehran. Two senior Iranian security officials said on October 23, 2026, that such attacks could disrupt regional internet connectivity, financial transactions and digital infrastructure, potentially expanding any future conflict beyond conventional military targets.
Iran Threatens Undersea Internet Cables in Hormuz
The Iranian officials, speaking anonymously, claimed Tehran could target submarine communication networks if diplomatic efforts with Washington failed.
One official indicated that Iran could also attempt to prevent repairs, prolonging disruptions to internet and telecommunications services.
Yadollah Javani, deputy head of political affairs for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), separately warned that seven major internet cables beneath the Strait of Hormuz could become targets if Iranian infrastructure were attacked.
However, the officials provided no operational details, and the reported plans have not been independently verified.
Gulf Internet and Banking Services Face Risks
Undersea fibre-optic cables carry approximately 99% of global internet traffic, making them essential to international communications.
However, telecommunications experts estimate that less than 1% of international bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially limiting the global impact of any disruption.
Multiple cable failures could nevertheless affect regional banking, digital payments, cloud computing and commercial services.
Repair operations could face delays because of military activity, insurance costs and restrictions on maritime access.
Iran Warns US Technology Companies Over Renewed War
Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei has also warned that American-linked data centres and artificial intelligence facilities across Gulf countries could face attacks during renewed hostilities.
Earlier Iranian strikes damaged Amazon Web Services infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Security analysts believe Tehran’s warnings are intended to discourage further American military action by highlighting risks to Gulf governments and international technology investments.
No confirmed attacks on Gulf undersea communication cables have been reported in connection with these latest threats.
