Iran warning draws attention to undersea internet cables running through the Strait of Hormuz

Tuesday, April 28, 2026Technology & SocietyWell-covered3 frames

Iran warned last week that submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz are a vulnerable point for the region’s digital economy, raising concerns about possible attacks on critical infrastructure.
Several fibre-optic cables run across the seabed of the Strait of Hormuz, linking India and Southeast Asia to Europe via Gulf states and Egypt.
Subsea cables carry about 99% of global internet traffic, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
These undersea cables are used for more than general internet access; sources say they are important for telecommunications, cloud services, online communications and some cross-border electricity links.
Damage to subsea cables can lead to slower internet service or outages and can disrupt e-commerce and financial transactions.
The issue has broader economic implications because Gulf countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in AI and digital infrastructure that depend on reliable subsea connectivity.
The current concern is about vulnerability rather than a confirmed cable strike; the sources describe risks tied to regional conflict and potential attacks, but do not report that the Hormuz cables have been damaged in this episode.

Iran warned last week that submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz are a vulnerable point for the region’s digital economy, raising concerns about possible attacks on critical infrastructure.
Several fibre-optic cables run across the seabed of the Strait of Hormuz, linking India and Southeast Asia to Europe via Gulf states and Egypt.
Subsea cables carry about 99% of global internet traffic, according to the International Telecommunication Union.
These undersea cables are used for more than general internet access; sources say they are important for telecommunications, cloud services, online communications and some cross-border electricity links.
Damage to subsea cables can lead to slower internet service or outages and can disrupt e-commerce and financial transactions.
The issue has broader economic implications because Gulf countries including the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing heavily in AI and digital infrastructure that depend on reliable subsea connectivity.
The current concern is about vulnerability rather than a confirmed cable strike; the sources describe risks tied to regional conflict and potential attacks, but do not report that the Hormuz cables have been damaged in this episode.