[Salon] Iran warns it may tariff or take down digital infrastructure

[Chas Freeman <cwfresidence@gmail.com>]

https://x.com/pati_marins64/status/2053389611510935961

Patricia Marins

@pati_marins64

Iran shifts instance, says American bases are in the crosshairs Following a series of attacks over the past 48 hours, targeting multiple tankers, coastal installations, and even fishing boats, Iran has decided to shift its position. Hours ago, Iran was emphatic in stating: “Any attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran’s oil tankers or commercial vessels will trigger a heavy strike against one of the American bases in the region and enemy ships.” Shortly thereafter, the message coming from the commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force was: “The Aerospace Force’s missiles and drones are locked onto the enemy, and we are awaiting the order to launch.” Continuing this postural shift, the IRGC Media Channel announced: “Iran holds total control over the depths of the Strait of Hormuz. No one should ignore that the security of the digital infrastructure in the region depends on the political stability that Iran guarantees. Our neighbors in the southern Gulf have built digital castles on glass foundations. While Iran has land routes, they depend entirely on cables passing through our maritime territory. The transit of data through Iranian territorial waters can no longer be free of charge. We are studying measures to regulate and tariff the flow of information crossing our underwater borders.” And it clearly warned: “If Iran’s energy veins are cut, the world’s information veins will not be safe. The world needs to understand that the flow of bits is as vital as the flow of oil.” Despite the change in tone, Iran seems to maintain the tactic of sparing American warships, perhaps fearing that sinking these vessels could escalate the war by generating support among the American public for revenge, something outside the Iranian strategy, which increasingly aims to weaken the government. Personally, I have my doubts whether this Iranian shift in tone will be enough to ensure their tankers are no longer attacked. I see here a natural escalation and believe that Iran will have to rethink its position on sparing American ships. The US Navy will spare absolutely nothing flying the Iranian flag. Full article: https://open.substack.com/pub/global21/p/iran-shifts-stance-says-american?r=7kssds&utm_medium=ios

4:20 AM · May 10, 2026

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