Iranian Ships Near Undersea Cables Raise Sabotage Fears
Translated & summarized from JDN by baba
Four Iran-linked vessels were observed performing suspicious maneuvers near underwater communication cables in the Gulf of Oman, raising fears of sabotage. The activity, detailed by maritime intelligence firm Windward, included slow speeds, circling, and prolonged signal outages. The incidents follow Iranian threats to target communication cables in the region, potentially disrupting regional internet and financial services.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Four Iran-linked vessels conducted unusual maneuvers near underwater communication cables in the Gulf of Oman.
- The activity, reported by the Financial Times, raises concerns about infrastructure mapping or sabotage.
- One tanker, CELESTIAL SEA, circled near the 2Africa cable and went offline for 86 hours.
- The incidents follow recent Iranian threats to target communication cables in the Gulf.
- Damage could significantly disrupt regional internet, financial, and commercial services.
- Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are particularly vulnerable to cable disruptions.
At least four Iran-linked vessels have been observed conducting unusual maneuvers near underwater communication cable routes in the Gulf of Oman over recent weeks, according to a Financial Times report citing maritime intelligence firm Windward. The activity has sparked concerns about potential mapping of infrastructure or preparations for attacks.
A Windward report from October 29 detailed the actions of three tankers subject to U.S. sanctions and another Iranian-flagged vessel described as a fishing support ship. Analysis indicates these vessels slowed down, performed turns and course changes, and lingered near cable paths throughout October. In some instances, the Iranian ships' location transmissions were reportedly cut off for extended periods.
One tanker, the CELESTIAL SEA, circled for over four hours near the 2Africa cable route before ceasing transmissions for 86 hours in an area with communication cables. Another gas tanker slowed near a cable path, altered course back towards Oman instead of proceeding to its declared destination in Malaysia, and subsequently stopped broadcasting. A third tanker spent approximately ten days at low speed near several cable routes off Iran's coast. The fishing support vessel was also observed moving slowly and drifting along cable paths.
These concerns are amplified by recent explicit threats from Iran. Reuters reported about 1.5 weeks ago, citing two senior Iranian security officials, that Tehran had developed plans to target communication cables in the Gulf in retaliation for further U.S. and Israeli attacks. One official also threatened to prevent cable repairs to prolong disruptions.
Damage to several cables could disrupt internet traffic, financial transactions, online commerce, and cloud services in the region. However, Reuters data suggests less than one percent of international bandwidth passes through the Strait of Hormuz, implying potential damage would primarily impact the region. Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar are particularly vulnerable, as all their underwater cable routes out of the Gulf pass through Hormuz. The extent of disruption would depend on available alternatives and traffic rerouting capabilities. Windward noted that some cables also serve Iran, meaning damage could harm its own communications.
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