Gulf countries and Jordan have called on the United Nations’ telecom agency to take action over alleged attacks on infrastructure. The move reflects rising concern over the impact of regional conflict on communication systems.
The request has been formally submitted to the International Telecommunication Union. It urges the body to condemn the attacks and monitor their consequences.
Call for Condemnation and Monitoring
The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, along with Jordan, have circulated a joint letter. This letter has been shared with all 48 member states of the ITU Council.
“Since February 28, 2026, the unlawful and unprovoked attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran involving missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles have deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure in densely populated areas, including civilian information and communication technology,” the letter stated.
The countries have asked the ITU to adopt a formal resolution. This resolution would address the alleged targeting of telecom services in the region.
Focus on Regional Telecom Disruptions
The proposed resolution highlights reported attacks on telecommunications infrastructure. These include services in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
According to the draft, such actions violate international obligations under ITU rules. Therefore, the issue carries both legal and technical significance.
The document also refers to threats against additional infrastructure. These threats have raised concerns about long-term regional stability.
Concerns Over Submarine Cable Damage
The letter also draws attention to damage affecting submarine cable systems. These cables form a critical backbone for global communications.
It notes disruptions to cable landing infrastructure in the region. Furthermore, some submarine cable projects have reportedly been suspended.
Therefore, the impact extends beyond national boundaries. It could affect global data flows and communication networks.
Proposal for Continuous Monitoring
The draft resolution includes a call for ongoing monitoring. It asks the ITU leadership to track developments closely.
Specifically, the proposal instructs officials to prepare regular reports. These reports would assess attacks on telecom services and their wider implications.
“monitor” and draft regular reports on “Iranian attacks against telecommunication services and infrastructure” across the region, “including on their global implications”.
This approach aims to provide transparency and timely updates. Moreover, it could help member states respond effectively.
Upcoming ITU Council Meeting to Decide
The proposal will be discussed during the next ITU Council session. The meeting is scheduled to begin at the end of April.
During this session, member states will review the draft resolution. They will also engage in discussions to reach a consensus.
Typically, ITU resolutions require agreement among participating countries. Therefore, negotiations may take time before a final decision emerges.
Rising Importance of Digital Security
The situation highlights the growing role of digital infrastructure in modern conflicts. Telecommunications systems are now critical national assets.
Therefore, protecting them has become a key priority for governments. The current dispute reflects broader concerns about cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.
Conclusion
The push by Gulf countries and Jordan signals increasing urgency around telecom security. It also underscores the global implications of regional conflicts.
As the ITU prepares to debate the issue, attention will remain on the outcome. Ultimately, the decision could shape how international bodies address infrastructure threats in the future.
