Iran proposes taxes for internet submarine cables in the Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian authorities intend to impose taxes on submarine internet cables that cross the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically essential route for global data traffic. The Iranian military spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, announced that companies operating the submarine infrastructure could be required to pay licenses and grant Iranian companies repair and maintenance rights. This measure targets large companies such as Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, which would need to comply with Iranian legislation.

The Strait of Hormuz is crucial not only for oil exports but also for financial communications and cloud services. Experts warn that damage to these cables could cause major disruptions in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Although Iran has not explicitly threatened to sabotage the infrastructure, officials have issued warnings about using control over the strait as a tool for geopolitical pressure. The Iranian authorities compare the proposed model to the fees charged by Egypt for infrastructure in the Suez Canal.