Iran warns Gulf internet at risk from vulnerable undersea cables

9 articles · Updated · wired.me · Apr 27

Tasnim News Agency, linked to Iran's IRGC, warns that simultaneous damage to major cables could cause severe outages, threatening 97% of the region's connectivity and impacting millions across the Gulf.
The cables support banking, cloud platforms, logistics, and emergency communications, with repair times ranging from two to six weeks and costs up to $3 million per incident.
Conflict has delayed new cable projects, and satellite alternatives are insufficient for large-scale data. Iran's warning highlights the strategic vulnerability of digital infrastructure, prompting increased security and contingency planning.

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