CNN: Iran with new ideas, plans to impose tariffs for underwater internet cables on Hormuz Strait · Global Voices

This was reported by CNN, citing discussions of the plan by Iranian lawmakers. Tehran's initiative may influence corridors linking Arab countries with Europe and Asia.

Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfari said directly on the X social networks platform that Tehran will set tariffs for internet cables. Under the plan, giants such as Google, Microsoft, Meta and Amazon will be forced to enforce Iranian laws, pay for cable television licenses and transfer repair and maintenance rights exclusively to Iranian companies.

Some of these technology companies have invested in infrastructure in nature, but it remains unclear whether their lines pass through Iranian territorial waters. Furthermore, regime implementation mechanisms remain uncertain, as US strict sanctions prohibit any payment to Tehran, and companies could view these requirements simply as fraud.

However, Iranian state media are warning of the risk of damage to cables, which could disrupt global transmission of trillion-dollar data.

Amid fears of an escalation of conflict after Donald Trump's return to the White House, Iran is showing its powerful asymmetric means beyond military power. Experts believe Tehran is trying to impose such a high price on the global economy that no one will dare attack the country.