Iran has issued a fresh warning that it could target data centres across the Middle East, raising concerns over the vulnerability of critical digital infrastructure as geopolitical tensions intensify. In a video statement, Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari indicated that Tehran would respond in kind if the United States follows through on threats to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure. The message framed potential retaliation against U.S.-linked energy and technology assets in the region.
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The video drew particular attention for referencing the “Stargate” project—a $500 billion initiative involving OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to build large-scale AI data centres. Visuals in the clip zoomed in on a Stargate facility in the UAE, accompanied by a warning suggesting such infrastructure is within reach despite efforts to conceal it.
Announced in early 2025, the Stargate venture aims to expand global AI computing capacity, though it has already faced headwinds tied to funding pressures and rising costs. Its planned international footprint now appears to place it squarely within a growing conflict zone.
The escalation follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly warned that Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including power plants and desalination facilities, could be targeted if Tehran does not reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains a key artery for global energy shipments and has seen significant disruption since hostilities began earlier this year.
The risks are no longer hypothetical. Several data centres in the region have already been struck amid the ongoing conflict. Iranian missiles reportedly hit facilities operated by Amazon Web Services in Bahrain, as well as an Oracle data centre in Dubai.
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In addition, Tehran has publicly named major technology firms such as Nvidia and Apple in its warnings, signalling a broader expansion of potential targets beyond traditional military or energy infrastructure.
As the conflict deepens, the intersection of geopolitics and digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly exposed—highlighting how data centres, once seen as neutral backbone assets of the digital economy, are now emerging as strategic targets.
