The conflict between Iran and the United States seems to have reached a stalemate. The U.S. Navy is currently blocking Iranian ships and others from entering or leaving Iranian ports, while Iran is threatening vessels that pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Recently, Iran announced plans to create a "restricted zone" near the Strait, though details about its scope and enforcement remain unclear. The Strait of Hormuz is not only a key route for oil and gas but also contains essential undersea communication cables. These cables carry over 95% of global data traffic, supporting everything from internet and phone calls to financial transactions and global tech operations. The Gulf region is a hub for major tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, which are investing in expanding data centers and AI infrastructure. Any disruption to these cables could have wide-reaching economic and technological consequences. Several major undersea cable networks pass through the region. These include the Fibre in Gulf system, which connects multiple Gulf states, and the Falcon Network, which spans across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The AEE1 network links Southeast Asia to Europe through the Gulf, and the Gulf Bridge International connects the Gulf to India and Europe. All of these networks pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which, despite its shallow waters, has become a critical choke point for global digital infrastructure. The shallow depth of the Strait—averaging 50 meters—makes it vulnerable to attacks on the cables. Advanced military technology isn’t necessary to disrupt them; common tools like remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), used in the oil and gas industry, can be repurposed for such tasks. Iran has already demonstrated its own mine-clearing ROV, and its ability to conduct underwater operations is likely well developed. An accidental anchor drag, as seen in the Baltic Sea, could also sever cables, causing widespread disruption. The potential for Iran to target the cable network has already affected plans for new undersea infrastructure. Some projects have been put on hold due to safety concerns. While the extent of Iran’s capabilities remains uncertain, the mere possibility of such an attack has introduced new risks to global communications and trade. The cables, much like roads and bridges in past conflicts, are now strategic assets that could be targeted to disrupt an opponent’s operations. Whether Iran would actually take such a step remains unclear, but the uncertainty itself may have a major impact on the region.