đš Iran-linked ships have reportedly been spotted loitering over critical undersea internet cables after Tehran threatened to target digital infrastructure.
Maritime intelligence firm Windward identified unusual movements by at least four vessels in the Gulf of Oman, including three sanctioned tankers. Ships reportedly slowed, circled or switched off tracking near cable routes.
These connections underpin the region's internet, financial transactions, cloud services and AI infrastructure. Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar depend entirely on cables passing beneath the Strait of Hormuz for internet connectivity.
Damage could disrupt payments, communications and online businesses. It would also threaten the Gulf's push to become a global technology hub.
Iran has threatened cables and data centres if the U.S. and Israel renew attacks.
Windward says the movements could indicate preparations for sabotage, but no cable attack or explosives placement has been confirmed.
Maritime intelligence firm Windward identified unusual movements by at least four vessels in the Gulf of Oman, including three sanctioned tankers. Ships reportedly slowed, circled or switched off tracking near cable routes.
These connections underpin the region's internet, financial transactions, cloud services and AI infrastructure. Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar depend entirely on cables passing beneath the Strait of Hormuz for internet connectivity.
Damage could disrupt payments, communications and online businesses. It would also threaten the Gulf's push to become a global technology hub.
Iran has threatened cables and data centres if the U.S. and Israel renew attacks.
Windward says the movements could indicate preparations for sabotage, but no cable attack or explosives placement has been confirmed.
