After a successful blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran now targets the submarine cables that ferry internet and financial traffic between Europe, Asia and the Persian Gulf. The Islamic Republic plans to charge major tech firms for using these cables, with state‑linked media hinting that non‑payment could trigger disruptions for global users today and security.

Lawmakers discussed a plan last week that would impose fees on submarine cables linking Arab countries to Europe and Asia. Zolfaghari declared that Iran would levy charges, while cable operators would face licensing fees and exclusive repair rights for Iranian firms. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon have invested in these routes globally today.

Despite US sanctions that bar payments to Iran, the threat of cable damage could ripple through banking, military communications and AI cloud services. Two major intercontinental cables, Falcon and Gulf Bridge International, run through Iranian waters, while most others skirt the Omani side. A strike could trigger a cascading digital catastrophe across several continents today.

Iran’s move echoes past tactics like Britain severing German telegraph cables in 1914, but 150 million phone calls at light speed make disruption far costlier. With only one maintenance ship in the Gulf, repairs could stall, amplifying the impact. The plan underscores how the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic choke point beyond oil today.