Iran Threatens Undersea Internet Cables Amid Escalating Tensions With US
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October 20, 2026
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Iran Threatens Undersea Internet Cables as Tensions With US Escalate
Iran has reportedly warned that undersea internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz could become targets if tensions with the United States lead to renewed conflict.
Brigadier General Hossein Mohebi, spokesperson for Iranβs Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said seven major cables carrying internet and commercial data pass through the strategic waterway.
He warned that the cables are important to global communications, adding that the world would see what could happen if the conflict escalated.
Mohsen Rezaee, a former IRGC commander, also warned that undersea cables, data centres and artificial intelligence facilities across the Middle East could be at risk if war breaks out again.
Iranian hardliners have reportedly suggested using the cables as a means of putting pressure on its adversaries.
However, experts say the threat should not be exaggerated. According to the International Cable Protection Committee, less than one per cent of international internet bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Although damage to the cables could disrupt internet services in some areas, modern networks can reroute data through alternative connections.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a major global shipping route.
The waterway is also vital to the global oil trade, with approximately 20 per cent of the world's traded oil passing through it before the conflict.
Recent reports of ships being damaged in the strait have further heightened concerns about maritime security. However, claims that a tanker struck a naval mine have not been independently verified.
The situation continues to raise concerns about the potential impact of further conflict on global trade, energy supplies and internet connectivity.
Iran has reportedly warned that undersea internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz could become targets if tensions with the United States lead to renewed conflict.
Brigadier General Hossein Mohebi, spokesperson for Iranβs Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said seven major cables carrying internet and commercial data pass through the strategic waterway.
He warned that the cables are important to global communications, adding that the world would see what could happen if the conflict escalated.
Mohsen Rezaee, a former IRGC commander, also warned that undersea cables, data centres and artificial intelligence facilities across the Middle East could be at risk if war breaks out again.
Iranian hardliners have reportedly suggested using the cables as a means of putting pressure on its adversaries.
However, experts say the threat should not be exaggerated. According to the International Cable Protection Committee, less than one per cent of international internet bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Although damage to the cables could disrupt internet services in some areas, modern networks can reroute data through alternative connections.
The warning comes amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a major global shipping route.
The waterway is also vital to the global oil trade, with approximately 20 per cent of the world's traded oil passing through it before the conflict.
Recent reports of ships being damaged in the strait have further heightened concerns about maritime security. However, claims that a tanker struck a naval mine have not been independently verified.
The situation continues to raise concerns about the potential impact of further conflict on global trade, energy supplies and internet connectivity.
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