Iran's Connectivity: Submarine Cables and Landing Points
Iran is connected to the global internet network through seven submarine cables, which have landing points in coastal cities such as Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Chabahar, Jask, Khark, and others. The country's overall isolation is rated at 40 out of 100 on the GeoCables index, indicating moderate infrastructure vulnerability. Some cables, such as FALCON (10,300 km, RFS 2006) and GBICS/MENA (5,270 km, RFS 2012), provide connectivity across the Persian Gulf and beyond. However, a significant portion of the routes is concentrated in a limited number of points, increasing risks in the event of outages or blockages.
Short regional cables, such as UAE-Iran (170 km, RFS 1992) and Kuwait-Iran (380 km, RFS 2005), play a crucial role in maintaining stable connectivity with neighboring countries. Nevertheless, the lack of major backup routes makes Iran's internet infrastructure relatively fragile compared to the more diversified networks of other countries.
Regulation and Control of the Internet
Iran is known for its strict regulation of internet traffic, including DNS censorship and content blocking. While GeoCables does not conduct direct measurements of censorship in Iran due to the absence of test points, it is widely recognized that the country actively filters access to international resources. Submarine cables, such as the POI Network (400 km, RFS 2012), can be technically monitored through terrestrial stations where traffic is subject to surveillance.
The authorities are also investing in the development of a national information network, reducing dependence on international cables. However, this approach increases isolation and may limit access to global resources, especially during crises.
Conflicts and Their Impact on Infrastructure
Iran is located in a region with high levels of geopolitical tension. In the past 60 days, there have been reports of military strikes and exchanges of accusations between the US and Iran, although no direct impact on submarine cables has been recorded. Geographically significant cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Bandar Abbas are monitored by GeoCables as potential conflict zones. However, no active warnings or connectivity disruptions have been observed so far.
Historically, protests and internal unrest have also affected internet access, including temporary shutdowns. These measures are typically aimed at restricting the spread of information but can also hinder the use of submarine cables for international connectivity.
Chokepoints and Infrastructure Vulnerabilities
The main risks to Iran's connectivity are associated with the limited number of submarine cable landing points. For example, Bandar Abbas and Jask serve as key hubs for several routes, including FALCON and GBICS/MENA. In the event of cable damage or a blockage at a terrestrial station, a significant portion of international traffic could be disrupted or completely halted.
Additionally, the proximity of routes to conflict zones in the Persian Gulf creates added risk. Any incidents in the waters could affect the physical integrity of the cables. Neighboring countries, such as Oman and the UAE, act as transit hubs for a substantial portion of traffic, but their geopolitical stance could complicate cooperation during crises.
What GeoCables Monitors
GeoCables monitors all seven submarine cables connecting Iran to the international network. Special attention is given to the routes of FALCON, GBICS/MENA, and the POI Network. We also observe conflict zones in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, and Shiraz to track any changes in connectivity.
Currently, the alert level for Iran remains at zero, indicating the resilience of the existing infrastructure. However, given the geographic and political factors, the potential risks of isolation remain high.
Built GeoCables to monitor submarine cables in real time. Runs a private network of 4 measurement servers with RIPE Atlas probes in Minsk, Almaty, Tbilisi, and Jerusalem.
