Iran Considers Fees on Undersea Cables in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian authorities have proposed taxing users of submarine fiber-optic cables that cross the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal follows earlier restrictions on ship traffic through the waterway. According to TeleGeography, at least seven fiber-optic routes run through the narrow corridor. These cables connect countries in the Persian Gulf to international networks.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps posted a message on Telegram stating that the cables could be subject to permits, monitoring, and tolls. Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari announced on May 9 that the government will impose fees on internet cables.

The Iranian parliament debated a draft law targeting these infrastructures in May. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the measures could affect both internet companies and telecom operators that own and use the networks. The threat follows the start of conflict between the United States and Iran in February.

Iranian authorities have already blocked maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.