U.S. Accuses Iran of Attacking Global Shipping and Critical Infrastructure
"We cannot and the world should not tolerate an Iranian regime that is trying to choke off the entire world's economy, hold everyone hostage because of a dispute over its nuclear program."
— U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz
Ambassador Waltz delivered a stark warning on Sunday during an interview on Fox News Sunday, alleging that Iran is actively attacking global shipping and critical infrastructure. According to Waltz, Tehran is deploying sea mines and attacking commercial shipping routes in an effort to gain leverage over its nuclear program.
"The world should not tolerate an Iranian regime that is trying to choke off the entire world’s economy," Waltz said. "It cannot start just throwing sea mines indiscriminately out into the ocean, attacking shipping."
The ambassador also highlighted a new, concerning development: Iranian state television has reportedly begun discussing potential attacks on undersea cables. These cables carry financial data, cloud information, and other critical economic data in and out of the Gulf region.
"They've even now started talking about… taking the undersea cables that move financial data, cloud information and all kinds of important economic information in and out of the gulf," Waltz stated.
According to Waltz, these aggressive actions are backfiring on Tehran, increasing international alignment against Iran. This alignment now includes cooperation among Gulf nations and Israel, traditionally regional rivals.
Waltz noted that President Donald Trump is pursuing a diplomatic path, but one that is backed by military strength. The administration's stance is clear: Iran's actions cannot be allowed to hold the global economy hostage over a dispute related to its nuclear ambitions.