Iran officials say they plan to cut Gulf undersea cables if attacked
Two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters on Wednesday that Tehran has drawn up detailed plans to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if the United States and Israel attack Iran again.
Officials confirm specific targeting plans
The two anonymous officials stated they would aim to prevent repairs after any attacks to prolong disruptions to communications. One official warned that there will be no more red lines regarding undersea cables or military bases if Iran is attacked. Deputy head Yadollah Javani of the IRGC said Iran could target seven major internet cables beneath the Strait of Hormuz.
Potential impact on global traffic
Undersea cables carry around 99% of global internet traffic according to the International Telecommunication Union. Multiple cable cuts could slow internet services and disrupt financial transactions, e-commerce and cloud computing, experts said. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei also warned that US-linked digital infrastructure across the Gulf could be targeted.
Blame directed at Washington
One official told Washington not to play with fire while warning it had full access to destroy the cables. The second official said Washington's Gulf allies should hold Washington responsible for any damage to undersea infrastructure rather than Tehran.
All 2 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- Express Tribune
- Middle East Eye
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2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.