Kuwait Warns of Attacks Targeting Submarine Internet Cables

GENEVA, April 29,: Kuwait on Tuesday condemned what it described as blatant attacks carried out by Iran and its regional allies against the communications sector. This came in a statement delivered by Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hain, before the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council in Geneva. Ambassador Al-Hain said such actions undermine state sovereignty and digital security, and called on countries to take a firm stance against threats to submarine internet cables that seek to impose a “comprehensive digital blockade” endangering global information flows and business activity.

Al-Hain stressed in his remarks that Kuwait and countries of the region have invested billions in building digital bridges linking East and West, reaffirming their categorical rejection of turning the communications sector into a tool for political pressure or digital coercion. He warned that Iranian attacks not only undermine development but also violate state sovereignty and digital security, in addition to threatening vital maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz.

The ambassador noted that Kuwait’s position stems from the principles of the ITU constitution and related regulations, particularly Article 37, which obliges states to prevent harmful cross-border interference, the principle of due diligence requiring states to ensure their territories are not used to harm others’ sovereignty, and Article 40, which prioritizes the protection of essential services. He further noted that the GCC and Jordan’s submission of the draft resolution comes amid the escalation of threats targeting digital infrastructure in several regional countries. (KUNA)