Recent Iranian statements have heightened attention on undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz. On October 20-23, 2026, IRGC spokesmen and security officials including Yadollah Javani and Hossein Mohebbi publicly identified seven major cables as potential targets, describing them as “legitimate new targets” in any renewed conflict with the United States and Israel. Senior officials told Reuters that detailed operational plans exist to strike Gulf cables and impede repairs if diplomacy collapses or attacks on Iranian infrastructure resume. The warnings come during an eighth-month lull in hostilities that began in February 2026, with references to a possible “third phase” of escalation and upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Analysts note that while these routes carry under 1% of global bandwidth, damage could significantly disrupt regional connectivity, banking, and data services for Gulf states. No cable incidents have been confirmed to date.