🚨 What would happen if Iran cuts internet fiber cables?

Amid rising tensions between Iran and United States, a new and serious concern is emerging: undersea internet fiber optic cables. If, during a conflict, Iran attempts to target or cut global internet cables located beneath the Strait of Hormuz, the impact would not be limited to just one or two countries—it could affect the entire region and even the global digital system.

These submarine cables connect Gulf countries to Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world. Around 95% of the world’s international internet data travels through these undersea fiber optic cables. The Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz are especially critical because multiple major cable systems pass through this region, including SEA-ME-WE, FLAG Europe-Asia, and AAE-1.

If these cables are damaged, several countries could face serious disruptions. The most affected would likely include United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, as they heavily depend on these connections. Additionally, Pakistan and India could also experience slower internet speeds or temporary service disruptions, since much of their traffic to Europe passes through these routes.

In such a scenario, the internet would not necessarily shut down completely, but speeds could drop significantly. Data traffic would be rerouted through alternative paths, leading to:

Slow-loading websites

Disruptions in video streaming

Issues with online meetings and video calls

Reduced performance of cloud services

This would affect not only everyday users but also businesses and government systems.

More importantly, global financial systems—such as banking, stock markets, e-commerce, and digital payments—rely heavily on these networks. Any disruption could delay international transactions, affect online businesses, and create uncertainty in global markets.

Repairing undersea cables is complex and time-consuming. It requires specialized ships and underwater robots. In a conflict zone, repairs could take days or even weeks due to safety risks and restricted access.