Iran Threatens Global Digital Infrastructure with Strait of Hormuz Cable Fees
Iran has announced plans to impose fees on undersea internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global digital infrastructure. The cables are crucial for internet traffic and financial data exchange between Europe, Asia, and Gulf states. Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated that major technology companies would be required to comply with Iranian law and pay usage fees. The threat of disruption could impact internet speed, global banking, military communications, and cloud services. The geopolitical tensions between Iran and the U.S. add complexity to the situation, as U.S. sanctions may prevent companies from paying the fees.