Iran demands Big Tech pay fees for undersea Internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran is reportedly seeking fees and licensing control for undersea internet cables in the Strait of Hormuz.

War-related disruption has blocked repairs and stalled projects, including a Meta-backed cable plan.

US tech firms and Gulf countries are exploring overland fiber routes, but those options face geopolitical and routing hurdles.

The dispute could raise costs and delays for a key Gulf-Europe internet backbone and reshape regional connectivity.