Iran May Have Found a New Way to Threaten Trump's Economy - And It's Not Oil

"Reports circulating through Iranian Revolutionary Guard-linked media outlets suggest Iran is exploring ways to assert control over the undersea internet cables running through the Strait of Hormuz - a move that could threaten digital commerce, AI infrastructure, and trillions of dollars in financial activity directly tied to President Trump's economy."

"TeleGeography estimates about 17% of global internet traffic moves through subsea cables crossing the region. Meanwhile, industry data cited by shows between 95% and 99% of internet traffic serving Gulf states depends on those cable systems. That just shows how the modern economy runs through Hormuz in more ways than one."

"IRGC-affiliated media reports suggest Iran could begin treating those cables as sovereign infrastructure assets. The proposals reportedly include: Requiring permits for cable repairs Charging transit or maintenance fees Giving Iranian firms oversight authority Demanding technical participation in cable management Potentially restricting emergency repair access during conflicts"

"Granted, Iran does not "own" the cables outright. Most are operated by multinational consortiums involving telecom companies and hyperscale cloud providers. But Iran could attempt to assert jurisdiction ov"

The Strait of Hormuz carries major global internet infrastructure in addition to oil shipments. Estimates indicate a significant share of internet traffic travels through subsea cables crossing the region, and most internet traffic serving Gulf states depends on those cable systems. Reports tied to Iranian Revolutionary Guard-linked media suggest Iran may treat the cables as sovereign infrastructure assets. Proposed actions include requiring permits for repairs, charging transit or maintenance fees, granting Iranian firms oversight authority, demanding technical participation in cable management, and restricting emergency repair access during conflicts. Even without owning the cables, Iran could attempt to assert jurisdiction over operations and create disruption risk for digital commerce, AI infrastructure, and financial activity.

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