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At least four vessels believed to be connected to Iran have been documented operating in unusual patterns and lingering above submarine communications cable routes in the Gulf of Oman, according to reporting in the Financial Times. Three of the vessels are Iranian oil tankers subject to US sanctions.

Israeli and Western security analysts assess the activity matches the profile of potential infrastructure sabotage operations, raising concerns that Iran may target critical digital infrastructure in the region as a response to renewed military action by Israel and the United States.

The cables represent vital telecommunications infrastructure for international communications and financial transactions. Such sabotage would have significant regional and global implications, potentially disrupting communications across the Middle East and beyond.

This assessment comes amid heightened tensions in the region and reflects Iranian capabilities and willingness to conduct asymmetric operations against Western and Israeli interests.

Sources: Ynet, Walla, www.israelhayom.co.il, Times of Israel