Iran-linked vessels recorded over submarine cables in the Gulf of Oman

Unusual vessel activity over critical infrastructure

Vessels linked to Iran have been found near submarine telecommunications cables in the Middle East. This activity was recorded after Tehran threatened to attack cables and data centres if the US and Israel launch a new wave of bombardments.

As noted by the Financial Times, maritime analytics firm Windward tracked the movement of at least four vessels that followed unusual routes and loitered directly over submarine cables in the Gulf of Oman. This behaviour was observed after Iran warned of potential disruptions to the region's digital infrastructure in the event of an escalation of the conflict by the US.

Who was in the risk zone

According to Windward, three of the four vessels were tankers subject to US sanctions, while the fourth was a small Iranian fishing boat. It was this fishing vessel that remained over the Europe India Gateway and Transworld communication lines for an extended period between 21 and 26 October.

The analytics firm emphasised that the behaviour of these ships differed from the standard. Unlike other vessels waiting for oil cargoes from the Persian Gulf, these units moved "in normal mode until they reached a certain cable corridor — and only then slowed down, described circles, turned around, remained in place or switched off tracking systems".

Potential consequences for the region

Any attack on submarine cables in this area would have serious consequences for the economies of neighbouring Persian Gulf states. According to information from the company TeleGeography, six active cables are laid through the strait, while three more — Fibre in Gulf, Sea-Me-We 6 and 2Africa — are under construction. The 2Africa project is closest to completion.

It is worth noting that Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar rely entirely on cables passing under this strait to ensure internet access.