TEHRAN – As tensions continue unabated in Strait of Hormuz, Iran has moved to tighten its control, declaring undersea internet cables as strategic assets and introducing plans to regulate both digital traffic and maritime movement through the region.
At time when global energy and data flow depend heavily on this narrow passage, the decision sparked concern and raised fresh questions about the future control of one of the world’s most critical trade and communication corridors.
Iranian authorities have reportedly taken major and highly sensitive step involving Hormuz, moving to place undersea internet infrastructure and key maritime traffic under tighter state control.
The state regime started considering undersea internet cables passing through Strait of Hormuz as strategic national asset. These cables, which carry vast volumes of global internet traffic and critical financial data, could soon come under Iranian regulatory authority.
Reports suggest that a newly created authority in the Strait of Hormuz will be responsible for overseeing and managing international submarine communication cables in the region. Under this proposed framework, all such cables would fall under Iranian laws and oversight.
Tehran is reportedly working to grant domestic companies greater technical control over the maintenance and management of these undersea cable systems, further strengthening its influence over digital infrastructure in the region.
This development comes just a day after Iran announced the formation of the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority,” a body designed to introduce a new regulatory system for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign media reports claim that under this system, ships navigating through the strategic waterway will be required to obtain official permission before passage. Iran is also reportedly considering the introduction of transit fees for vessels using this critical route.
Hormuz remains one of the key maritime chokepoints, through which significant portion of global oil supply is transported. Any disruption or tighter control over this route has immediate international implications for energy markets, shipping, and global trade.
U.S. Navy destroyers reportedly came under Iranian attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, using missiles, drones, and fast boats, according to U.S. Central Command. The situation unfolded alongside a U.S. operation called “Project Freedom,” aimed at securing shipping lanes through the strait.
Iran reportedly responded with further strikes on vessels and announced a new authority to regulate and charge for shipping routes in the region. Meanwhile, U.S. forces were said to have disabled several Iranian-linked tankers in separate incidents.
Amid escalating tensions and reciprocal attacks, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped, as most operators avoid the area due to security risks and uncertainty.
Iran establishes body to regulate, tax shipping in Strait of Hormuz
