Iran moves to control seven undersea internet cables in Strait of Hormuz
Updated
Updated · WION · May 9
Iran moves to control seven undersea internet cables in Strait of Hormuz
13 articles · Updated · WION · May 9
Tehran proposes permits and tolls for cable operators and says only Iranian companies should manage, repair and maintain the links.
The fibre-optic routes carry a large share of data traffic between Europe, the Gulf and Asia, potentially extending Iranian legal and operational control over critical communications infrastructure.
The strait is already a vital oil chokepoint, and the IRGC has previously warned it could target submarine cables used by Gulf states for internet, banking and cloud services.
Can Big Tech's Gulf investments survive the shift from cyber threats to physical attacks on data infrastructure?
With key data arteries now uninsurable, is the global economy one move away from a digital dark age?
The Strait of Hormuz Digital Crisis: How Iran’s Control Over 7 Undersea Cables Threatens 99% of Global Internet Traffic (2026)
Overview
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital link for global internet traffic, with key undersea cables like AAE-1, FALCON, Gulf Bridge International, and Tata TGN-Gulf passing through Omani waters. These cables support essential cloud, banking, and AI services across Europe, the Gulf, and Asia. Recently, Iran has begun to assert more control over this digital artery, with IRGC-linked media calling it a 'digital pressure point' and pushing to generate revenue from foreign tech companies. This growing assertiveness raises the risk of disruption, which could have serious consequences for global connectivity and digital infrastructure.