Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has launched attacks on undersea internet cables belonging to neighboring Persian Gulf nations, sources confirm. The strikes target infrastructure linked to countries supporting Houthi activities, marking a bold escalation amid regional tensions.
Strategic Assault on Digital Lifelines
The IRGC inflicted significant damage on key data lines connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Officials describe the Strait of Hormuz as the ‘internet artery,’ highlighting its role beyond oil transport. At least seven major cables now offline carry Houthi-related traffic, disrupting services across UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and others.
Sources indicate the operation responds to joint US-Israel efforts with these nations against Iran. Houthi rebels, key allies, face blocked ship passages, with Iran intensifying economic pressure through these digital hits.
Vital Role of Undersea Cables
These cables handle 97% of global internet traffic, powering cloud services, financial transactions, and critical systems like water management. Damage threatens massive economic fallout, as private IT data centers and cloud providers in UAE and Bahrain host essential operations.
Even Russia relies on similar infrastructure post-Ukraine conflict, underscoring the vulnerability. Iran positions the strikes as retaliation, vowing to expand digital assaults unless provocations cease.
US Response and Broader Implications
The US State Department announced countermeasures against the ‘provocative’ action, labeling it a ‘mujahideen X’ threat. Amid Red Sea disruptions by Houthis, former President Trump warned of triple retaliation.
Analysts view Iran’s move as high-risk, potentially crippling its own oil and gas exports if tensions fully erupt. Tehran claims full blockade of US-Houthi support via heavy weapons, oil shipments, and education networks, but experts doubt long-term sustainability.
