Iran threatens undersea cables and Gulf states as war fears escalate

As the US-Iran conflict enters its ninth month, Tehran has unveiled a new offensive military doctrine and threatened to target undersea communications cables, oil facilities, and AI infrastructure across the Gulf if the US and Israel launch renewed attacks. The Strait of Hormuz remains a central battleground, with oil prices surging above $110 a barrel and global emergency reserves at multi-decade lows.

New threats and doctrine

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has shifted from a defensive to an "offensive and asymmetrical" strategy. IRGC spokesman Hossein Mohebi warned that a "third phase" of the war would include "new targets and new weapons," specifically naming seven undersea cables beneath the Strait of Hormuz as "legitimate new targets" Source: Tom's Hardware. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said Iran would strike oil facilities, data centers, and AI facilities across up to seven Gulf countries Source: The Guardian. An adviser to Iran's parliament speaker stated, "Our strategy is 'zero red lines'" Source: The Guardian.

Environmental and human toll

Attacks on tankers have caused oil spills visible from space. Satellite data shows twice the amount of surface oil in the Persian Gulf compared to pre-war levels, according to University of South Florida researchers Source: CNN. A tanker spill has closed beaches in the UAE's Umm Al Quwain emirate Source: Euronews. Meanwhile, seafarers face extreme danger: traffic through Hormuz has collapsed by over 90%, and crews have refused to cross the strait despite risk bonuses of up to $100,000 per month for captains Source: Euronews. Iranian fishers report restricted movement and colleagues killed in attacks Source: The Guardian.

Diplomatic efforts and oil market strain

Foreign ministers from eight European and Middle Eastern countries met in Istanbul to urge de-escalation, warning that renewed strikes would spread conflict and push oil prices higher Source: The Guardian. Turkey's foreign minister said, "Military intervention in Iran is not any kind of solution" Source: The Guardian. However, analysts note that global strategic oil reserves have fallen by nearly 327 million barrels since December 2025, leaving only about 400 million barrels of usable reserves worldwide Source: Al Jazeera. Brent crude traded at $113.4 a barrel amid reports of potential US-Israeli attacks after the November 3 midterm elections Source: The Guardian.