Iran-US War: Kya Iran Kaatega Samundar Ke Neeche Internet Cables? India Samet Duniya Par Bada Digital Khatra
Amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East linked to the Iran–US conflict, global security experts are raising concerns that Iran could potentially target undersea internet cables — a move that might disrupt internet connectivity across several regions, including India.
The speculation intensified after an incident on February 28, 2026, when Iran reportedly reduced its external internet traffic by nearly 99%, effectively isolating itself from the global internet during escalating military tensions with the United States and Israel.
Iran’s Domestic Internet System
Iran operates a domestic digital network called the National Information Network (NIN). This system allows essential services such as government portals, banking networks, and communication platforms to continue functioning even if global internet access is disrupted.
The network was reportedly developed over the past decade with technological assistance linked to the Chinese company Huawei. Analysts say this system allows Iran to remain operational internally even if global connectivity is interrupted.
Strategic Internet Chokepoints
A significant portion of the world’s internet data travels through submarine fiber-optic cables laid across the seabed. Many of these cables pass through strategic Middle Eastern routes such as the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.
The Red Sea alone hosts around 17 major submarine cables linking Europe, Asia, and Africa. Meanwhile, several critical cables including AAE-1, FALCON, Gulf Bridge International, and Tata-TGN Gulf pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Security analysts warn that these cables could be disrupted through naval mines, ship anchors, or underwater sabotage. Repairing such damage could take months, especially in a war zone.
Cloud and AI Infrastructure Under Threat
The digital conflict has already escalated in some areas. Reports suggest that Iranian drones targeted facilities connected to Amazon Web Services in the Gulf region, raising concerns about the safety of global cloud infrastructure.
Major technology projects and undersea cable initiatives involving companies like Meta have also faced delays due to the instability in the region.
Risk for India’s Internet Connectivity
Experts say that nearly one-third of India’s west-bound internet traffic travels through routes connected to the Strait of Hormuz. Any disruption in these cables could affect data traffic and connectivity in major Indian tech hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai.
Industry experts are urging India to accelerate east-route diversification via Singapore and Pacific cable networks to ensure digital resilience during geopolitical crises.
As the conflict continues, global attention remains focused on whether cyber and digital infrastructure could become the next battlefield in modern warfare.