Anthony Scaramucci accused President Donald Trump of ignoring intelligence warnings regarding Iran's Mosaic Defense Doctrine, labeling the resulting U.S. military engagement a "major disaster." The Skybride Capital founder argued that Tehran had anticipated leadership-targeting strategies based on two decades of observing American operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Scaramucci stated that Iran prepared for exactly what occurred by decentralizing its command structure. He noted that few in America recognized this strategic shift, describing the domestic political environment as an "incurious culture."

The mosaic defense doctrine

The doctrine relies on 31 autonomous units with layered command structures designed to sustain resistance if senior leaders are eliminated or central communications are disrupted. This decentralized approach aims to prevent an adversary from crippling Iran's military capabilities solely through decapitation strikes.

Escalating regional tensions

Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei stated that while the U.S. accepted some of Tehran's seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Washington's overall response remained inadequate. Tensions have intensified following recent attacks on vessels, including the Petro Dolphin incident which left two Indian mariners missing.

Brett Erickson, Managing Principal at Obsidian Risk Advisors, warned that Iran's continued maritime attacks suggest Tehran is "just taking it EASY on Trump," raising fears of a broader oil shock. Meanwhile, the Pentagon reportedly instructed U.S. Central Command to prepare for potential resumption of major combat operations targeting nuclear and energy infrastructure.

Military posturing and diplomatic stalemate

President Trump claimed the U.S. was doing "extremely well" and that Iran's military had been severely weakened, suggesting the conflict could end either "the nice way or the not-so-nice way." However, Iran warned of stronger retaliation against future U.S. attacks.

Reports indicate the Pentagon is deploying additional troops, warships, fighter jets, and a third aircraft-carrier strike group to the Middle East. Senator Chris Van Hollen has urged Congress to cut off funding for these operations, highlighting deepening domestic political divisions over the conflict.

An Iranian news agency argued that Tehran should require Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) to obtain permits and pay ongoing fees for subsea internet cables crossing Iranian waters in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Tasnim News Agency published an analysis on Monday stating that Iran should apply its domestic laws to the FALCON and Gulf Bridge International cable systems. The report claimed these systems pass through Iranian territorial waters and described the four companies as owning a large portion of the cables’ capacity. It asserted that these entities should obtain passage permits and pay operating licenses and fees.

Legal basis and cable ownership

Tasnim argued that the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea grants coastal states absolute sovereignty over the seabed within 12 nautical miles. The agency stated that treaty protections for cables do not apply in this zone, leaving room for Iran to charge for safety, environmental, and governance services.

According to TeleGeography data cited in the report, Google has direct ownership or majority stakes in 34 cable systems worldwide, while Meta holds stakes in 20. The report did not mention whether any of the companies have been contacted regarding this proposal.

Regional tensions and infrastructure threats

The proposal follows warnings from Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Over the weekend, Rezaei warned that renewed fighting with the U.S. could threaten "cables, data centers, AI facilities and other sites in the region," according to PBS, citing state-run IRNA.

In a post on X on Sunday, Rezaei stated that the U.S. had agreed to some of Iran’s seven conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, he noted that Tehran considers Washington’s response "inadequate" and declared there will be "no return to the status quo ante."

Market reaction

On Monday, Alphabet’s Class A stock closed 0.30% higher at $352.72 and gained 0.18% to $353.35 in after-hours trading. Its Class C shares closed 0.32% higher at $348.97 and rose 0.18% to $349.61 in extended trading. Benzinga Edge rankings indicate Google’s Class A stock has a Momentum score in the 83rd percentile and a Growth score in the 88th percentile.

Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta, as well as the Iranian government and the U.S. Department of War, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.