Iran Threatens to Target Undersea Internet Cables if US, Israel Resume Strikes

TEHRAN, Oct 23: Iran has drawn up plans to attack undersea communications cables in the Persian Gulf if the United States and Israel launch renewed strikes, two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters.

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided few details on how or where the attacks could occur. One official said Tehran would also seek to prevent repairs to damaged cables to prolong disruptions to communications, including internet connections.

“If Iran is attacked, there will be no more red lines ... from undersea cables to military bases, including covert ones,” one of the officials said.

The official also warned Washington against “playing with fire,” claiming that Iran had full access to the undersea cables and could easily destroy them.

An attack on undersea communications infrastructure in the Persian Gulf could disrupt internet connectivity and data transmission, depending on the damage's location and extent. Such cables form a critical part of international telecommunications networks, carrying large volumes of data between countries and regions.

The reported plans come amid heightened tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, with Tehran warning that any renewed military action would prompt a broader response.