Iran is demanding that US tech giants pay fees for using undersea Internet cables traversing the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions amid ongoing conflict. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesperson for Iran's military and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, announced the fees in a May 9 post. Iranian state media, including Tasnim and Fars, proposed charging license fees to companies like Meta, Google, Amazon, and Microsoft for cable usage, while claiming Iran retains sole rights to repair and maintain the infrastructure.
Over 99% of international Internet traffic relies on undersea cables, with major routes like Asia Africa Europe-1, FALCON, and Gulf Bridge International Cable System passing through the strait. Some cables run through Iranian territorial waters, according to TeleGeography. The conflict has already halted cable repairs and stalled a Meta-backed project in the region, as French state-owned Alcatel Submarine Networks suspended operations.
In response, US tech companies and Gulf nations are exploring overland fiber routes to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Projects from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, alongside IQ Networks in Iraq, aim to provide alternative connections, though they face geopolitical challenges. The strait remains a high-risk zone for repair vessels due to Iranian threats and military activity.