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Iran targets submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to create a “digital toll” that could affect Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon on the main route of the global internet.

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published on 17/05/2026 at 17:22

Geopolitics

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Iran considers imposing transit fees on submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz, a measure that could affect technology giants, raise legal questions, increase pressure on rivals, and raise alerts about internet traffic, banks, cloud, and strategic communications

Iran is considering charging transit fees for submarine cables crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a measure that could generate billions of dollars and increase Tehran’s pressure on international adversaries, according to a Tasnim announcement.

The proposal would affect consortia operating fiber optic cables in the region. Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon would have to comply with Iranian regulations if the charges were applied.

Iran targets submarine cables

About seven major cables pass through the strait, concentrated in a narrow strip on the Omani side. Systems like FALCON, GBI, and Gulf-TGN cross Iranian waters.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Risk of monitoring and damage

The measure could lead Tehran to monitor data passing through the cables. CNN highlighted that the country has not declared sabotage, although combat divers, submarines, and drones pose a real threat.

Groups allied with Iran are cited as a risk. In 2024, three submarine cables were cut by Houthi militants aligned with Tehran in Yemen, using an anchor.

The incident reduced regional internet traffic by 25%. Still, the region represents about 1% of global bandwidth, making the worldwide impact less dependent on this corridor.

Legal limits and sanctions

Experts cite legal obstacles. Irini Papanicolopulu stated that old contracts must be honored, while new cables may depend on conditions imposed by States.

International maritime law protects straits used for international transit and existing cables. Western sanctions would also complicate payments to Iran, making the threat more political signaling than an executable proposal.

Iran targets submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to create a “digital toll” that could affect Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon on the main route of the global internet.

Iran considers imposing transit fees on submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz, a measure that could affect technology giants, raise legal questions, increase pressure on rivals, and raise alerts about internet traffic, banks, cloud, and strategic communications

Iran targets submarine cables

Risk of monitoring and damage

Legal limits and sanctions

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Iran targets submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz and threatens to create a “digital toll” that could affect Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon on the main route of the global internet.

Iran considers imposing transit fees on submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz, a measure that could affect technology giants, raise legal questions, increase pressure on rivals, and raise alerts about internet traffic, banks, cloud, and strategic communications

Iran targets submarine cables

Risk of monitoring and damage

Legal limits and sanctions

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Australia installs giant concrete structures on the seabed 800 meters from the shore to create an ocean intake for desalination that will draw in saltwater and produce 30 million liters of drinking water per day.

Secret chamber sealed 4,500 years ago found in the Pyramid of Khufu, and Hawass announces its opening to the world in 2026

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