Iran’s ‘digital toll booth’ at Hormuz? What it could mean for Google, Meta & Microsoft

Team TOI PlusTIMESOFINDIA.COM
May 24, 2026 | 17:43 IST
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Iran is reportedly eyeing to impose licensing fees on the global tech giants for using undersea internet cables, which pass through the Strait, even as Tehran remains engaged in back-channel negotiations with the US to end the conflict that began on Feb 28

Iran could literally turn the Strait of Hormuz into a golden goose amid its conflict with the US.

After reportedly leveraging wartime disruptions in the Strait, including charging oil tankers transit fees of up to $2 million, Tehran is now said to be considering a similar strategy for the undersea internet cables that pass through the critical waterway.
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