How Iran Wants to Use Internet Access as Leverage in the War

The Iranian regime’s proposal to charge tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon licensing fees for using undersea internet cables crossing the Strait of Hormuz has sent shockwaves through the global tech community. On the surface, this move appears as a brazen attempt by Iran to exploit its control over a critical waterway. However, closer examination reveals a more complex landscape.

Tehran’s decision-makers are emboldened by their successful wartime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has already disrupted commercial shipping. This experience has likely led them to test the limits of international law in the digital domain. Yet, while Iran may be correct that national territorial boundaries extend up to 12 nautical miles from its shores, this assertion does not grant it a blank check to impose arbitrary fees on undersea cables.

The Grey Zone of International Law

International law is often characterized by ambiguity and grey areas, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. As Christian Bueger pointed out, there exists a legal void regarding the duties and obligations of states in safeguarding cables passing through their exclusive economic zones. This vacuum has allowed Iran to propose its plan without facing immediate international condemnation.

However, as Basil Germond noted, the legal basis for Iran’s plan is “very weak” under international law. While Tehran may have some room to maneuver, it is unlikely that this will be sufficient to prevent tech giants from pushing back against its demands. In reality, the extent of Iran’s leverage lies not in the law but in its ability to disrupt data flow or damage cables.

Iran has several options at its disposal to coerce tech companies into paying the toll. Interfering with data traffic, threatening to disrupt data flow, damaging cables, or preventing maintenance can all be used as leverage without resorting to direct military action. This approach is not dissimilar from Iran’s tactics in the commercial shipping sector, where it has successfully disrupted trade by targeting vessels attempting to transit through the Strait.

A High-Stakes Gamble

While Iran may think twice about pursuing this course of action, given its complexity and risks, its plan poses a significant threat to global stability. Sabotaging an undersea cable in the Strait of Hormuz would require extensive planning and resources, and could have unintended consequences for regional security.

Moreover, burying cables several meters below the seabed is not a straightforward task, especially given the geography of the Strait. While it may be possible to locate these critical infrastructure elements, doing so without drawing attention from the US or other regional powers would be extremely challenging.

The implications of Iran’s plan go beyond its own borders and into the wider region. The undersea cables primarily provide internet access to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar – all key players in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Further destabilization could exacerbate regional tensions, leading to a domino effect that would be felt far beyond the Strait of Hormuz.

As the world struggles to come to terms with this new development, one thing is clear: Tehran’s digital gambit is a high-stakes gamble that carries significant risks for all parties involved. Whether Iran will ultimately succeed in extracting concessions from tech companies or face pushback remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the world is now at a critical juncture, where the fate of global connectivity hangs precariously in the balance.

This digital standoff highlights the fragile nature of modern global infrastructure and the dangers of underestimating Iran’s willingness to push boundaries in pursuit of its strategic interests. The ultimate cost of Tehran’s gamble remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the world will be watching closely as this drama unfolds.