Doomsday Clock Advances as Iran Threatens Internet Cables Under Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to target seven major internet cables passing under the Strait of Hormuz, stating they have identified new targets amid the ongoing war with the United States as doomsday clock pressures mount on all sides.
IRGC Threatens Internet Cables in Strait of Hormuz as doomsday clock Ticks
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to target major internet cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz. [1] The IRGC stated that seven major internet cables pass under the Strait of Hormuz and that the enemy must know Iran has new targets. [1] The IRGC spokesman warned that the enemy must know Iran has new targets, including the possibility of striking internet cables, data centers, and regional oil and gas facilities. [4] Iranian commanders highlighted weapon stockpiles and the possibility of preemptive strikes. [4] The IRGC said the war is not over and that it has prepared for a long war. [4]
US Embassy Security Warnings Across Middle East
US embassies in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Israel issued warnings late on Sunday of possible rapid security developments, including attacks by Iran and its allies. [1] The embassies urged US citizens to exercise heightened vigilance due to the complex security environment. [1] They warned of potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. [1] The statements noted that Iranian-supported Houthis have engaged in hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilian airports and other critical infrastructure resulting in civilian casualties and severe travel disruptions. [1] The embassies warned that these hostilities have the potential to escalate rapidly beyond that immediate area. [1]
Araghchi Blames Europe and US for Regional Crises
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Europe is paying the price for its miscalculations, just like the United States. [3] He argued that its policies had contributed to wars and other problems around the world. [3] Araghchi spoke at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Tehran. [3] Araghchi said Europe was complicit with the United States in attacks on Iran. [3] He stated that Europe must face the truth and that just like the United States, Europe is paying the price for its mistakes. [3] Araghchi stressed that diplomacy is the only way to address crises in the region and that problems could not be resolved through military means. [3]
Lavrov’s Visit and Russian Position
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Tehran and accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iran without justification. [3] Lavrov said Russia is ready to help resolve the crisis. [3] He stressed the need to ensure the safety of shipping in the Gulf and prevent further attacks on Iran. [3] On Ukraine, Lavrov said the Ukrainian government and some European countries were acting irresponsibly. [3] He thanked Iran for supporting Russia’s proposals. [3]
Iran Prepares for Prolonged Conflict
Iranian commanders are preparing for a possible resumption of conflict with the United States. [4] They highlighted weapon stockpiles and a new offensive military doctrine that includes potential preemptive strikes. [4] Ordinary Iranians expressed daily fear of renewed bombings. [4] A 70-year-old Tehran resident said every day and every night they are waiting for the bombings to start again. [4] The resident added that they charged all portable chargers, stocked water, and kept everything ready because attacks could resume at any moment. [4] A mother of two described the fear of sending children to school each morning past streets where Revolutionary Guards are visible and military bases remain active. [4] Another Tehran resident said Iranians are convinced the war will restart and that it is all anyone can talk about. [4]
Ongoing Iran-US Negotiations and Escalation Risks
Negotiations between Iran and the United States are ongoing as regional tensions mount, according to a Qatari official. [2] A foreign ministry spokesman warned that unchecked escalation risks a wider regional war. [2] The spokesman urged simultaneous efforts to defuse conflicts. [2]
What to watch next: Continued Iran-US negotiations carry risks that unchecked escalation could lead to wider regional war, while Russian offers to assist in resolving the crisis and calls for safe shipping in the Gulf remain active.
