CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Tehran/Washington. Amid rising tensions between the United States and Iran, a new dispute has emerged over undersea internet cables. US President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of renewed military action against Iran. In response, Iranian officials have warned that if the US and Israel attack again, Iran could target undersea communication cables in the Persian Gulf.
Trump signals military action again
Trump, during a rally in Florida on Friday, referred to the possibility of another military operation against Iran. He said the United States could soon take another action. However, he did not clarify when the action would take place or what form it would take. After this statement, concerns have deepened that conflict in the region could escalate again. Several countries have also stressed the need to reduce tensions and find a solution through dialogue.
What warning did Iran give?
According to a Reuters report, two senior Iranian security officials said Iran has prepared a plan to target undersea communication cables in the Gulf region in the event of a new attack by the US and Israel. Iranian officials also indicated that efforts could be made to obstruct repairs after the cables are damaged, so that the impact on communication services lasts longer.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards official Yadollah Javani has described seven major internet cables under the Strait of Hormuz as potential targets. However, officials have not made public any definite date for action or a detailed plan.
Could the entire world’s internet be shut down?
Undersea fibre-optic cables are the backbone of international internet communications. According to the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), about 99 percent of global internet traffic passes through submarine cables. But the cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz account for less than one percent of global international bandwidth.
Therefore, the fear that the entire world’s internet would shut down if cables there are cut is not considered accurate. However, if several cables are damaged at the same time, internet speed, banking transactions, online business and cloud services in Gulf countries could be affected. The severity of the damage would depend on the capacity of alternative networks and the speed at which traffic can be routed through other paths.
Impact also possible on Gulf technology investments
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf countries are making heavy investments in artificial intelligence (AI), data centres and digital services. Damage to regional communication networks could affect these projects and the business of US technology companies. According to experts, Iran’s warning may also be aimed at pressuring the US to avoid military action. For now, the statement is a warning of possible action; no new attack on undersea internet cables has been confirmed.
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