Iran highlights risks to subsea cable infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz

Last week, Iranian officials warned that fiber-optic cables located in the Strait of Hormuz represent a vulnerable point for the regional digital economy. These submarine cables are critical for international data transmission, as they carry approximately 99% of global internet traffic according to the ITU. The Strait of Hormuz, already a major conduit for global oil shipments, serves as a vital route for data connectivity between Southeast Asia, India, and Europe. Analysts note that damage to these cables would likely cause significant internet outages, disruptions to e-commerce, and delays in global financial transactions. Gulf nations, particularly the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have recently invested heavily in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure to diversify their economies. These national AI initiatives are heavily dependent on the high-speed data transmission provided by undersea networks. The AAE-1 cable system, which connects several Middle Eastern countries including Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, is among the major infrastructure components traversing this waterway.