Iran-linked tankers tracked loitering over Strait of Hormuz subsea cables

GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.

Windward suggested to the Financial Times that the ships' movements could indicate mapping of cable routes or placement of explosives, which would point toward preparation for sabotage rather than routine shipping activity. Such an attack could disrupt internet connectivity for Gulf states that rely entirely on these cables and for countries like India, which routes a third of its westbound traffic through the corridor, though no strike has occurred and the interpretation remains inferential. The episode comes amid heightened tension over potential renewed US and Israeli military action against Iran.

• Windward tracked sanctioned Iran-linked tankers and a fishing boat loitering over subsea cable routes near the Strait of Hormuz in October.
• Some vessels reportedly switched off AIS transponders while near the cables, a behavior Windward says could indicate mapping or sabotage preparation.
• Six active cables and two under construction, including the Meta-linked 2Africa project, cross the strait, serving countries like Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and partially India.