Iran signals possible charges on cables running through Hormuz — CNN
Iran threatens to charge rent for subsea internet cables (photo: Getty Images)
Iran plans to introduce fees for the use of subsea cables that carry internet traffic between Europe and Asia, CNN reports.
Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari said Iran intends to charge for the use of subsea cables that transmit internet traffic between Gulf countries, Europe, and Asia.
According to CNN, Iranian state media have hinted that if payment is not made, the operation of these communication routes could be disrupted.
The report says Tehran plans to require major technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, to comply with local regulations and to levy charges on operators of subsea cables running through the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts cited by CNN note that most cables run near the coast of Oman, but some pass through Iranian territorial waters. At the same time, it remains unclear how Iran could enforce such demands, especially given international sanctions that complicate financial transactions.
CNN also warns that any damage to these cables could severely impact the global internet and the flow of data worth trillions of dollars.
This could disrupt banking systems, stock exchanges, streaming platforms, and cloud services, including those that power artificial intelligence.
Middle East situation
After returning from Beijing, US President Donald Trump considers easing sanctions on Chinese oil companies that purchase Iranian crude.
Reports also emerged that during a summit, Beijing and Washington reached a general understanding that Iran must under no circumstances be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested that an operation against Iran could soon resume, saying that not all objectives have been achieved.
