Iran says it will target Gulf undersea cables if conflict with the US resumes
Summary
- Iranian officials warned that undersea communication cables in the Persian Gulf could be attacked if diplomatic talks with Washington break down.
- The threat is part of Iran's broader contingency plans for a possible renewal of hostilities with the United States.
- Undersea cables carry a large share of regional and global internet and telecommunication traffic, making them strategic assets.
- The statement was made amid heightened tensions following recent U.S. sanctions and Iranian missile tests.
Key Facts
- · Iran's warning pertains to undersea cables located in the Gulf region.
- · The threat is conditional on a collapse of diplomacy with the United States.
- · Undersea cables transmit over 95% of global intercontinental data traffic.
- · Disruption could affect communication, banking, and critical infrastructure of Gulf states.
- · Iran has previously demonstrated capability to target maritime assets.
Why it matters
Targeting undersea cables would cripple civilian and military communications, impacting not only the Gulf region but also global data flows, thereby escalating the strategic stakes of any Indo‑Pacific conflict and highlighting the need for maritime security and resilient communication infrastructure.
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