Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has issued a stark warning that it could sever the internet cables running beneath the Strait of Hormuz, a move that would disrupt connectivity for billions of people worldwide.
A spokesperson for the corps said: "Seven major cables have passed under the Strait of Hormuz, all of which the world's internet and commercial data depend on; we are reminding them of this so that the enemy knows."
Global Dependence on Hormuz Cables
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global data transmission. The seven cables referenced by the spokesperson carry a significant portion of the world's internet traffic and commercial data, making them a strategic vulnerability.
The threat highlights the extent to which global communications rely on this single geographic point, and the potential consequences of any disruption to these undersea cables.
Escalating Tensions
The warning comes amid heightened international tensions, with the statement framed as a reminder to adversaries of Iran's capacity to impact global infrastructure.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' message underscores the geopolitical stakes, as any action against the cables could have far-reaching economic and social effects across continents.
Potential Impact
If implemented, cutting the cables would likely cause widespread internet outages, disrupting commerce, communication, and access to information for billions of users. The full extent of the impact remains unclear, but the threat serves as a stark illustration of the fragility of global digital infrastructure.
This is a developing story, and further details are expected to emerge as the situation evolves.
