Iran has reportedly drawn up detailed plans to target submarine communication cables in the Gulf if the United States and Israel launch fresh attacks against the country, raising concerns over the potential impact on regional communications and internet connectivity.
Two senior Iranian security officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said the plans could be put into action if diplomatic efforts with Washington collapse and a new conflict breaks out.
Although the officials did not disclose specific targets or explain how the attacks might be carried out, one said Tehran would seek to prolong communication disruptions by preventing damaged cables from being repaired. The potential targets could include submarine cables, military installations and covert bases.
One of the officials issued a direct warning to Washington, urging the United States not to “play with fire.” He claimed Iran had full access to the submarine cable network and could destroy the infrastructure relatively easily if the country came under attack.
The warning follows remarks by Yadollah Javani, deputy head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ political bureau. On Wednesday, Javani said Iran could target seven major internet cables running beneath the Strait of Hormuz if Iranian infrastructure were attacked.
Submarine cables are a critical part of the global communications network, carrying the vast majority of international internet traffic. According to the International Telecommunication Union, around 99% of global internet traffic is transmitted through these undersea systems.
However, the global consequences of a potential attack through the Strait of Hormuz may be more limited than Tehran’s warnings suggest. Alan Mauldin, research director at telecommunications research firm TeleGeography, said less than 1% of international bandwidth passes through the strait, suggesting that damage to cables in the area might have a relatively limited impact on global connectivity.
Nevertheless, any deliberate attack on undersea communications infrastructure could disrupt regional services and further escalate tensions at a time when diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington remain fragile.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 24 Oct 2026, 09:57.
