Iran's Control Over Internet Cables in Strait of Hormuz Poses Threat to Big Tech
Oil Under Stress, Internet Next? Why Iran's New Plan In Hormuz Could Hit Google, Meta, Amazon

Image: News 18
Following escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is signaling intentions to control undersea internet cables that are crucial for global digital traffic. This move could impact major tech firms like Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft, as disruptions could affect cloud services, financial transactions, and communications worldwide.
- 01Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated plans to regulate undersea cables near the Strait of Hormuz.
- 02Submarine cables in the region handle significant portions of global internet traffic, making them critical infrastructure.
- 03Big Tech companies like Google and Amazon own substantial parts of these subsea cable networks, linking them to global data movement.
- 04Disruption of these cables could slow down services for millions, particularly affecting countries like India that rely on Gulf routes for internet connectivity.
- 05Iran's threats may not require outright control; even minor disruptions could create significant operational challenges for tech companies.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Strait of Hormuz, traditionally viewed as a vital oil transit route, is now emerging as a key digital chokepoint due to its undersea internet cables. Following military tensions between the United States and Iran, Iranian state media have suggested that Tehran may seek to control these cables, which are essential for global internet traffic, including services provided by major tech companies like Google, Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Microsoft. These companies have invested heavily in subsea cable infrastructure, making them vulnerable to disruptions that could affect cloud services, financial transactions, and communications worldwide. Analysts are increasingly recognizing subsea cables as critical infrastructure, akin to oil pipelines. Any disruption in this region could significantly impact internet services, particularly for countries like India that depend on these cables for connectivity to Europe. Although international law typically protects such infrastructure, the mere threat of disruption or regulatory uncertainty could lead to increased insurance costs and complicate maintenance efforts. As digital and energy economies converge, control over these data chokepoints may become as significant as control over oil resources.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz could lead to slower internet services and increased costs for businesses relying on cloud and digital services.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
How concerned are you about potential disruptions to internet services from geopolitical conflicts?
Connecting to poll...
More about Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

Pakistan Seeks to Revive US-Iran Talks Amid Rising Tensions and Potential Military Action
News 18 • May 17, 2026

Iranian State TV Presenter Shoots at UAE Flag During Live Broadcast
News 18 • May 16, 2026
US Offers $15 Million Reward for Information on Iran's Drone Network Operators
Times Now News • May 15, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



