Iran threatens undersea communication cables in the Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesman General Hossein Mohebbi has identified undersea fiber-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz as legitimate targets for future strikes. These seven major cables facilitate vital international communications, banking transactions, and financial data exchange. Mohebbi described the ongoing conflict with the United States as being in a temporary lull, warning of a potential "third phase" that would introduce a new, expanded geography of war. Reports suggest these threats may be linked to concerns over potential US military actions following the November midterm elections.

While Iranian officials speaking under anonymity claim that specific plans for attacking these cables and American military bases are already finalized, experts remain skeptical. An analysis by EOS Marine, led by John Walker, suggests that despite the rhetoric, the operational capability to execute such a targeted subsea attack is currently limited. The threat persists as a point of high geopolitical tension, with US President Trump noting that the conflict could be addressed through quick intervention, though he did not rule out gradual de-escalation. International observers continue to monitor whether these stated intentions will manifest as kinetic operations, despite significant technical hurdles.