Iran's Threat to Subsea Cables Raises Concerns Over Digital Infrastructure
Iran has issued warnings about the vulnerability of submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical point for the region's digital economy. These cables, which carry about 99% of the world's internet traffic, are essential for telecommunications and electricity transmission between countries. The Strait of Hormuz is already a chokepoint for global oil shipments and is equally vital for digital connectivity. The potential threat to these cables has raised concerns about possible attacks on critical infrastructure, which could lead to internet slowdowns, e-commerce disruptions, and delayed financial transactions. The risks to these cables include state-sponsored sabotage, accidental human activities, undersea currents, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena.