Iran has issued a stark warning regarding potential attacks on AI data centers across the Middle East, specifically targeting the Stargate initiative.
In a video statement released by Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari, Iran asserted that should the United States proceed with threats to strike its civilian infrastructure, it would respond with its own attacks against U.S. energy and technology facilities in the region. This statement reflects escalating tensions between the two nations amidst ongoing military actions.
The video showcased an image of a globe zooming in on the Stargate data center located in the United Arab Emirates. The accompanying message stated, "Nothing stays hidden to our sight, though hidden by Google," indicating Iran's intention to monitor and potentially target significant technological assets.
The Stargate project, a $500 billion joint initiative between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, was announced in January 2025. This ambitious venture aims to establish AI data centers globally, but has faced challenges related to funding and tariffs, hindering its expansion plans.
This latest threat from Iran comes on the heels of U.S. President Trump's declarations that military action would be taken against Iranian civilian infrastructures, such as power and water desalination plants, if Iran does not reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz. This strait is crucial for global shipping and has been the focal point of supply chain disruptions since the onset of the conflict in February.
In recent weeks, several data centers within the region have already been targeted by missile strikes, with reports confirming that Iranian missiles have impacted Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers in Bahrain and an Oracle facility in Dubai. Additionally, Iran has specifically named tech companies, including Nvidia and Apple, in its threats, signaling a broader scope of potential targets.
The situation continues to evolve, and it remains unclear how the U.S. will respond to these threats. The implications of such military actions could have far-reaching effects not only on the tech industry but also on global geopolitical dynamics.
Source: TechCrunch News