# Iranian ships circle subsea cables as war tensions rise

> Tankers linked to Iran have been tracked loitering over undersea internet cables in the Gulf of Oman, suggesting possible preparation for attacks on critical global infrastructure.
- Title: Iranian ships circle subsea cables as war tensions rise
- Summary: Tankers linked to Iran have been tracked loitering over undersea internet cables in the Gulf of Oman, suggesting possible preparation for attacks on critical…
- Keywords: iran, strait of hormuz, subsea cables, internet infrastructure, gulf of oman, windward, 2africa cable, meta, us israel iran conflict, cyber threats, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/11/ships-loiter-near-subsea-cables-amid-irans-warnings-to-trump
- Published: 2026-11-06T22:41:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: iran, strait of hormuz, subsea cables, internet infrastructure, gulf of oman, windward, 2africa cable, meta, us israel iran conflict, cyber threats, technology, science
## Iranian tankers circle internet cables
Three sanctioned tankers linked to Iran and an Iranian fishing boat have been tracked loitering over subsea internet cables in the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz in October.
## Critical cables cross the Strait
Six active cables currently cross through the Strait of Hormuz, linking the Middle East to Europe, Africa and Asia, with two more cables having segments under construction in the region.
## Four countries depend entirely on these cables
Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar depend entirely upon subsea telecommunications connections running through the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint to link with the outside world.
## Ships went dark near cable routes
The Iran-linked ships slowed down and looped around multiple cables, with some then switching off their automatic identification system transponders that normally broadcast their location and other information.
## Windward suspects mapping or mining
Maritime intelligence firm Windward told the Financial Times the Iran-linked ships may be mapping the cable routes, or placing charges or mines on them while dark.

> mapping the cable routes, or placing charges or mines on them while dark
## Iran threatens cable attacks directly
Multiple Iranian officials and commanders of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have warned they could directly attack the undersea cables running through the Strait of Hormuz.
## IRGC reminds enemy of cable importance
An IRGC spokesperson said on October twenty that seven major cables run through the Strait of Hormuz, supporting global Internet operations and commercial data transmission. We remind the enemy of this.

> Seven major cables run through the Strait of Hormuz, supporting global Internet operations and commercial data transmission. We remind the enemy of this.
## Cable repairs halted, routes being rerouted
The limited fleet of cable-laying ships has not ventured safely into the region since the war began, forcing the Meta-backed two Africa cable to pause its planned expansion.
## Key takeaway

Iranian vessels are loitering near subsea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz, possibly preparing attacks on infrastructure that carries global communications and data.