Iran has recently made threats against the internet cables under the Strait of Hormuz and has announced its intention to target the communication infrastructure of the Gulf countries. Hossein Mohebi, a spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated at a ceremony in Tehran that there are seven main internet cables under the Strait of Hormuz and that this time Iran's response to threats will be much harsher.
Infrastructure Cables and Current Status
According to available information, there are currently six active cables including 2Africa, AAE-1, FALCON, GBI, Tata TGN-Gulf, and OMRAN/EPEG passing under the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, two more cables named FIG and SEA-ME-WE 6 are under construction and are expected to be operational by 2027. Meanwhile, the number of existing cables is projected to reach eight in the near future.
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The 2Africa cable connects to Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman. The AAE-1 cable also serves Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, the FALCON and GBI cables connect to Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, and also Iran.
Threats and Possible Consequences
Iran's threat to target the cables is significant because Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are heavily dependent on these infrastructures, and all their underwater traffic must pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq relies on three active cables in the Al Faw region, Kuwait on five cables, Bahrain on five cables, and Qatar on seven cables linked to this strait. Meanwhile, the UAE has a better situation with six cables on the Gulf coast and 14 other cables in Fujairah and Kalba on the Gulf of Oman coast.
Saudi Arabia, with four cables in Al Khobar and 14 other cables in the Red Sea, has the least dependency, but is still at significant risk. Additionally, two sanction-related vessels linked to Iran have been operating on the cable routes in recent weeks, raising concerns in this regard.
These threats have become particularly important due to the sensitive and critical communication infrastructures that directly impact international trade and communications. It is unclear whether these threats will materialize or are merely part of psychological warfare, but monitoring the activities of Iranian-linked vessels in the region indicates serious concerns.
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