Electronic Warfare in the Persian Gulf: When GPS Disruption Hits Everyday Life

In recent months, delivery drivers across the Middle East have reported bizarre navigation failures—routes suddenly shifting, estimated times ballooning, and apps freezing mid-journey. The culprit? Sophisticated electronic warfare operations targeting GPS signals near Iran's coastal waters. The disruption stems from deliberate jamming and spoofing of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). While such tactics are traditionally associated with military operations—protecting sensitive installations or masking troop movements—their collateral damage now extends to civilian infrastructure. Ride-hailing services, food delivery platforms, and logistics companies find their operations compromised as satellite signals are either blocked or fed false coordinates. This phenomenon reflects a broader trend in modern conflict: the weaponization of dual-use technologies. GPS, once a purely military asset, now underpins global commerce, transportation, and emergency services. When states employ electronic warfare in contested regions, the ripple effects cross borders and sectors. Iranian authorities have not officially acknowledged these operations, but regional analysts suggest they serve as both defensive measures and demonstrations of technological capability. The implications extend beyond inconvenience. Supply chains face delays, insurance costs rise, and trust in digital infrastructure erodes. Moreover, as autonomous vehicles and drone deliveries become more prevalent, reliable positioning systems grow ever more critical. The Persian Gulf incidents serve as a stark reminder that in an interconnected world, the front lines of conflict increasingly overlap with civilian spaces. Looking ahead, the international community faces a dilemma: how to preserve the benefits of open navigation systems while protecting them from strategic disruption. The answer may lie in developing resilient alternatives and establishing norms for responsible use of electronic warfare in shared domains.