Iranian state-linked media outlets, Tasnim and Fars, recently suggested that Iran could begin charging US technology companies for the use of undersea internet cables that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal, floated last week, aims to generate revenue from what are described as the 'sinews of the global internet', raising questions about the future of digital infrastructure in a geopolitically sensitive region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes. It is also a critical route for numerous undersea fibre optic cables that carry vast amounts of internet traffic. While the Iranian media reports focused on US tech firms, the implications of such a move could extend to any nation or company relying on these crucial digital arteries.
However, experts in international law and telecommunications infrastructure have largely dismissed the feasibility of such a plan, describing it as legally dubious. The principle of freedom of navigation and the right to lay submarine cables in international waters are well-established under international maritime law, notably the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Any attempt by Iran to unilaterally impose charges or restrict access would likely be seen as a violation of these conventions.
Instead of a legally enforceable claim, analysts suggest that such a proposal would rely heavily on intimidation and geopolitical leverage. The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint for regional tensions, and any attempt to disrupt or levy fees on critical infrastructure could escalate existing friction, particularly in the context of ongoing geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) currently advises against all travel to Iran and advises against all but essential travel to areas within 100km of the Iran-Afghanistan border, and within 10km of the Iran-Iraq border. While this specific proposal does not directly impact travel advice, it underscores the volatile nature of the region and potential risks to international commerce and communication infrastructure.
For the UK, the stability of global internet infrastructure is paramount. A significant proportion of the UK's internet traffic, both domestic and international, relies on a complex network of undersea cables. While direct cables to the UK may not traverse the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions or increased costs in one part of the global network can have ripple effects on international data flows, potentially impacting UK businesses and consumers through higher operational costs for internet service providers or slower data transfer speeds for services reliant on global connections.