Reports indicate Iran has plans to target undersea internet cables in the Gulf if attacked, which researchers warn could disrupt global bandwidth, cloud computing, and financial transactions.
Undersea fiber-optic cables carry most of the world's internet traffic. The sources told Reuters that in addition to the strikes, Iran would seek to obstruct repair work to prolong the connectivity problems.
This information comes after statements by Yandollah Javani, a senior official in Iran's Revolutionary Guards, who had threatened that the country may target seven key internet cables under the Strait of Hormuz if its infrastructure is attacked.
What would be the consequences of any attacks on the cables?
Telecommunications experts estimate that such a development could slow down online services and create problems in financial transactions, online shopping and remote data storage services.
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However, the true extent of the problems will depend on how quickly companies can shift traffic to other routes and alternative connections.
Analysts also note that the goal may be to pressure Gulf countries and big business executives, so that they in turn pressure United States President Donald Trump about the risks facing their investments.
Wider threats and previous incidents
Tensions in the region have also affected other technological infrastructure. In early 2026, attacks on data centers in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates are estimated to have caused permanent data loss, while there have also been threats against satellite internet facilities in the Middle East.
On a separate level, the UK government recently proposed new legislation to protect critical undersea infrastructure, which includes tougher penalties and immediate intervention capabilities.
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