Kathmandu [Nepal], October 24 – Iran has warned it could target undersea internet cables in the Gulf if the United States and Israel launch fresh attacks after US President Donald Trump threatened to resume military operations against Tehran if no agreement is reached.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Florida on Friday, Trump said the United States could launch another phase of “Operation Epic Fury”, the name given to its military campaign against Iran that began on February 28. He did not specify when or how further action might take place.
According to Reuters, two senior Iranian security officials said Tehran could target undersea communication cables and disrupt repair work potentially affecting internet and other communication services for an extended period.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps political affairs deputy Yadollah Javani said earlier this week that seven major internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz could be targeted if Iranian infrastructure came under attack.
However, analysts say the region accounts for less than one percent of global international internet capacity limiting the likely worldwide impact of cable damage though multiple disruptions could affect banking, digital services and regional connectivity.
Meanwhile Turkey, France and Germany have urged restraint and called for diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict, warning of wider regional and economic consequences.
