Iran Plans Fees for Submarine Cable Access Through Strait of Hormuz, Targets Tech Giants

According to CNN, on May 18, Iran plans to charge major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon for access to submarine cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaghari stated last week, “We will charge fees on internet cables.”

According to media outlets close to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, Tehran’s plan would require the tech companies to comply with Iranian law, while submarine cable operators would be forced to pay licensing fees for cable passage. The proposal was discussed by Tehran’s lawmakers last week and may target cables connecting Arab countries with Europe and Asia.