---
title: "Iran Threatens to Cut Submarine Internet Cables Amid US Attack Fears"
description: "Iran has prepared plans to target submarine internet cables in the Persian Gulf if US and Israel launch new strikes, abandoning red lines."
date: 2026-10-24T07:28:30.555Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/iran-threatens-submarine-internet-cables
tags: [iran, usa, israel, persian-gulf, internet-cables, geopolitics]
author: "Alexander Buran"
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Iran Threatens to Cut Submarine Internet Cables Amid US Attack Fears

![Two Iranian servicemen walk past a map of Iran featuring ballistic missile models](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/24/iran-ugroza-internet-kabeli-persidsky-zaliv/iran-ugroza-internet-kabeli-persidsky-zaliv-1.webp)

## Key Points

- Iran has developed plans to attack submarine internet cables in the Persian Gulf in case of a new escalation with the US.
- The IRGC announced a potential strike on seven key cables running under the Strait of Hormuz.
- About 99% of global internet traffic passes through submarine lines, but less than 1% goes through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The US and Israel are considering scenarios for new military operations against Iran.

The Iranian leadership has developed detailed plans to target submarine communication cables in the Persian Gulf in the event of renewed military operations by the United States and Israel. According to high-ranking Iranian security officials, Tehran intends to disregard any 'red lines' during a new escalation if diplomatic efforts collapse.

### Threats Aimed at Critical Telecommunications Infrastructure

Two Iranian security officials told Reuters that plans for attacks on submarine infrastructure are fully prepared. One source directly warned Washington that in the event of an attack, not only military bases but also strategic communication cables would be targeted. The official urged the American side to halt escalation, emphasizing that Tehran possesses the technical capability to disable these lines.

On Wednesday, Yadollah Giovanni, Deputy Head of Political Affairs for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), confirmed this stance. He specified that seven key internet cables running directly beneath the waters of the Strait of Hormuz are within the potential target zone. The Iranian side also intends to obstruct any attempts to repair damaged networks to sustain communications outages.

### Global Significance of Submarine Highways and Potential Risks

Submarine fiber-optic lines serve as the fundamental backbone of global digital infrastructure. According to official data from the UN International Telecommunication Union, approximately 99% of all global internet traffic passes through such conduits. However, expert assessments regarding the scale of future disruptions vary depending on specific routes and data volumes.

Alan Mauldin, Research Director at telecommunication company TeleGeography, noted that less than 1% of international internet bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Nevertheless, the actual consequences of a potential sabotage would depend on the number of disabled lines, the speed of traffic rerouting, and the availability of alternative data transmission paths for operators.

### Economic Consequences and Geopolitical Context

A successful attack on submarine communications could severely impact key sectors of the global economy. In the event of large-scale damage, international financial transactions, e-commerce, and the stability of cloud services would be compromised. Meanwhile, conducting repair work in an active military conflict zone would be extremely difficult due to soaring insurance rates and challenges in obtaining permits.

Tensions in the region are rising amid reports that the leadership of the US and Israel is discussing new military scenarios. According to NBC News, the US military has already prepared potential strike options for President Donald Trump, which could coincide with the November midterm elections. Concurrently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is demanding a forceful response to Iran's nuclear and military program.

## Fact-Check & Sources

- [Иран угрожает подорвать интернет-кабели в Персидском заливе в случае новых атак США, - Reuters](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/iran-pogrozhue-pidirvati-internet-kabeli-1792826691.html) - The article is fully based on the RBC.ua publication citing Reuters, NBC News, and expert assessments.

## FAQ

### Why is Iran threatening submarine cables?

Tehran views these measures as a response to potential new military operations by the US and Israel if diplomatic talks fail.

### How many cables could be targeted?

According to IRGC representatives, seven main internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz area are under threat.

### How critical is the damage to cables in the Persian Gulf?

Less than 1% of international internet bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz, but large-scale damage could affect financial operations and cloud computing.