Suspicious Movements of Iranian Ships Over Undersea Internet Cables

London – Agencies: Unusual movements by ships linked to Iran, including US-sanctioned oil tankers near the routes of undersea communications cables in the Gulf of Oman, have raised growing concerns about the security of critical digital infrastructure in the Gulf region, amid escalating Iranian threats to target these cables in response to any potential US attack on Iranian facilities and infrastructure. A report by the Financial Times, based on data from Windward, a maritime analytics firm, revealed that four vessels were observed in the area during the last week of October, including three oil tankers listed on US sanctions lists, along with a small fishing boat. According to the data reviewed in the report, the movements of some ships displayed unusual patterns, including sailing at low speeds, frequent stops, course changes, and the disabling of tracking and navigation systems near routes traversed by undersea communications cables. These movements take on added significance in light of previous statements by the deputy commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, who threatened the possibility of targeting undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz if Iranian infrastructure were attacked by the United States. This threat raises concerns that a potential confrontation could extend beyond military and energy facilities to encompass digital infrastructure.