Rising tensions in the Middle East have sparked concerns over the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure, after Iran warned that undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz could become potential targets.
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The narrow waterway, already a key chokepoint for global oil shipments, is also vital for international data flow. Fibre-optic cables laid along the seabed carry nearly 99% of global internet traffic, according to the International Telecommunication Union, linking regions from India and Southeast Asia to Europe through Gulf states and Egypt.
Experts warn that any disruption to these cables could have widespread consequences, including slower internet speeds, outages, disruptions to e-commerce, and delays in financial transactions, ultimately affecting global economies.
Major cable systems running through the region include the Asia-Africa-Europe 1 (AAE-1), which connects Southeast Asia to Europe, and the FALCON network, linking South Asia with Gulf countries. The Gulf Bridge International Cable System also connects multiple Gulf nations, including Iran.
The risk to these networks comes not only from potential sabotage but also from accidental damage. According to the International Cable Protection Committee, 70–80% of cable faults are caused by human activity such as fishing and ship anchors, while natural hazards like earthquakes and underwater currents also pose threats.
The ongoing conflict in the region has already strained energy supply chains and infrastructure. While subsea cables have so far remained intact, experts caution that increased military activity raises the likelihood of accidental damage, particularly from vessels dragging anchors.
Repairing damaged cables in conflict zones presents additional challenges, including security risks, insurance concerns, and delays in obtaining permits to access territorial waters.
Experts say alternatives such as satellite systems are not viable replacements for subsea cables due to limited capacity and higher costs. Even emerging technologies like low-Earth orbit networks lack the scalability to handle global data demand.
As Gulf countries including United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia invest heavily in digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, the protection of undersea cables is becoming increasingly critical for regional and global connectivity.
