Iranian threats put Gulf internet and global data at risk

Summary

• Iran’s threats to target data centres, artificial intelligence facilities and undersea internet cables have raised concerns about the security of digital infrastructure across the Gulf.
• Damage to these cables could force data traffic onto alternative routes, potentially slowing connections and disrupting services across several countries.
• As Gulf economies increasingly depend on artificial intelligence, cloud computing and international connectivity, the protection of data centres and undersea cables is becoming a major economic and strategic priority.

AI Generated Summary

Iran’s threats to target data centres, artificial intelligence facilities and undersea internet cables have raised concerns about the security of digital infrastructure across the Gulf. Any major disruption could affect internet connectivity between Europe and Asia, while putting banking services, cloud computing and technology investments at risk.

According to a report by Al Jazeera, Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei has warned that critical digital infrastructure across the region could become a target if hostilities with the United States resume. The warning comes amid continuing regional tensions and growing concerns about the security of key telecommunications routes near Yemen and the Red Sea.

More than 90 per cent of data transmission capacity between Europe and Asia passes through undersea cables in the Red Sea, according to estimates cited in the report. These cables enter the waterway through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

The narrow maritime route has become a major concern because of fighting between Yemen’s internationally recognised government and the Iran-backed Houthi movement. Control of territory near the strait could increase security risks for vessels, telecommunications infrastructure and repair operations.

Undersea cables carry vast amounts of international internet traffic. They support online banking, business communications, cloud platforms and government services. Damage to these cables could force data traffic onto alternative routes, potentially slowing connections and disrupting services across several countries.