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Geopolitics

Iran security chief warns of potential attacks on Gulf data centres and internet cables

Mohsen Rezaei's threat comes as Houthi capture of Red Sea territory raises concerns over undersea cables linking Europe and Asia

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has warned that cables, data centres and artificial intelligence facilities across the region could be attacked if war with the United States erupts again. The warning follows the seizure of Yemeni territory along the Red Sea coastline last month by Iran-backed Houthis, raising fears for the safety of internet cables that carry more than 90 percent of data capacity between Europe and Asia.

More than 90 percent of data capacity between Europe and Asia passes through cables under the Red Sea, according to estimates by research firm TeleGeography. These cables enter the sea through the Bab al-Mandeb strait, about 26 kilometres wide at its narrowest, through which nearly one-fifth of global internet traffic passes.

Data centres, which run banking apps and cloud services, are large, fixed targets. "An attack does not necessarily need to destroy the servers themselves to render an entire facility inoperable," said Andreas Krieg, a senior analyst quoted in the report.

During the US-Israel war on Iran, data centres and US business interests were hit in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Tehran said those attacks were in response to US attacks on Iranian civilian installations.

Active hostilities have largely ended since the June memorandum of understanding between Iran and the US, but attacks on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz have continued. Cables can be cut by anchors or sabotage, and repairs in a war zone require permits and safety guarantees.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The disruption of undersea cables and data centres could cripple internet connectivity and financial services across Europe, Asia and Africa.
  • Critical infrastructure is increasingly viewed as a legitimate target in regional conflicts, setting a dangerous precedent.
  • Continued instability near Bab al-Mandeb threatens a vital chokepoint for global communications and oil shipments.

Background

Iran's security chief issued the warning at a time of heightened tensions following the US-Israel war on Iran, which ended with a June memorandum of understanding. The Houthi capture of Yemeni territory along the Red Sea last month has renewed concerns about the security of undersea cables that are difficult to repair in active conflict zones. Previous attacks during the war hit data centres in Bahrain and the UAE.

Key Perspectives

Iran: Frames potential attacks as retaliation for US strikes on Iranian civilian installations, using the threat as leverage in ongoing tensions. US and allies: Face the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure in a region where multiple actors have both the capability and willingness to strike. Tech companies and internet users: Bear the operational risk; data centres are concentrated in Gulf states and are difficult to harden against drone or missile attacks.

What to Watch

  • Houthi naval activity near Bab al-Mandeb and any disruption to cable repair operations.
  • Diplomatic moves between Iran and the US that could de-escalate or further inflame tensions.
  • Responses from Gulf states hosting major data centres, including potential security upgrades or insurance adjustments.

Sources

Zotpaper

Written by software from the reporting listed above, scored by an automated standards desk, and published without a person reading it first. If something here is wrong, tell the editor and it will be put right.

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