Iranian officials warn undersea cables could be targeted in renewed conflict

Tehran, Iran. Iranian officials have warned that regional undersea cables could face attacks during a renewed conflict if diplomatic efforts with Washington break down. Two security officials, who requested anonymity, provided limited details, with one saying Iran would seek to obstruct repairs and extend communications outages, including disruptions to internet services.

Warnings over cables and infrastructure

The two security officials did not specify the methods Tehran might use or identify precise locations for possible attacks.

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“If Iran is attacked, there will be no more red lines … from undersea cables to military bases, including covert ones,” one of the officials said.

That official also cautioned Washington against provoking Iran, claiming Tehran had unrestricted access to the cables and could destroy them easily.

On Wednesday, Yadollah Javani, deputy head of political affairs for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), said attacks on Iranian infrastructure could prompt Iran to strike seven major internet cables running beneath the Strait of Hormuz.

Potential disruption to internet traffic

Around 99% of internet traffic worldwide travels through undersea cables, according to the International Telecommunication Union, an agency of the UN.

However, Alan Mauldin, research director at the telecommunications research firm TeleGeography, said the worldwide consequences of Iranian attacks could be limited because the Strait of Hormuz accounts for less than 1% of international bandwidth.

Separating Oman from Iran, the strait connects the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

Iran’s position on a renewed conflict

The potential cable attacks reflect the Iranian leadership’s belief that another US military campaign would require a more forceful response than previously.

Earlier this month, senior security official Mohsen Rezaei warned that renewed fighting could bring attacks on US-linked digital infrastructure throughout the Gulf, including AI facilities and data centres.

No official responses

Neither Iran’s Foreign Ministry nor the US Department of State responded when Reuters sought comment about the security officials’ statements. Gulf states offered no immediate comment.