Iran threatens Gulf data centres: How exposed is the region’s internet?
Summary
Iran’s security chief has warned that data centres, internet cables, and artificial intelligence facilities in the Gulf region could be attacked if war with the United States restarts. The warning comes amid fighting near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, a key point for global internet and shipping, raising concerns about the safety of important internet connections.Key Facts
- Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei threatened attacks on regional data centres and internet cables if conflict with the US resumes.
- The Bab al-Mandeb strait connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is a crucial route for about 20% of global internet traffic.
- More than 90% of data between Europe and Asia passes through undersea cables near this narrow 26 km-wide strait.
- Fighting continues in Yemen between the government and Iran-backed Houthis near this strategic area.
- Data centres rely on constant power, cooling, and communications, making them vulnerable even without direct server damage.
- In March, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard named US and Gulf tech companies as possible targets, including Google, Microsoft, and Meta.
- Previous attacks targeted data centres and US business interests in Bahrain and the UAE during conflicts with Israel and Iran.
- Experts say Iran’s threats aim to discourage US and Gulf military actions by highlighting the risk to key technology infrastructure.
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