Iran's IRGC Threatens $30 Billion Stargate AI Data Center in UAE

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran has issued a stark warning regarding the upcoming Stargate AI data center in the United Arab Emirates. A recently released video utilizes satellite imagery to pinpoint the desert location of the $30 billion facility, explicitly threatening its destruction amidst escalating regional tensions with the US and Israel.

The threat specifically targets the 1GW AI computing cluster planned for Abu Dhabi. According to the IRGC-linked video, the facility is viewed as a legitimate target due to its association with Western interests. A spokesman for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya HQ stated that should the US proceed with threats against Iranian infrastructure, retaliatory measures would lead to the "complete and utter annihilation" of regional information and communication technology assets linked to American shareholders.

A Strategic Digital Asset

The Stargate project is slated to become one of the world's largest AI computing clusters outside the United States. The initial phase aims for a 200MW capacity by 2026, eventually scaling up to 1GW. This venture is backed by a formidable coalition of technology leaders, including Oracle, Cisco, Nvidia, and OpenAI, alongside Japan's Softbank and the UAE-based G42.

Announced during a high-profile visit by US officials in May 2025, the agreement represents a significant milestone in American AI dominance strategy. The US Commerce Department has highlighted the project as a major deployment of American cloud and AI technology to a key strategic partner. The UAE has concurrently outlined its ambition to become a global leader in the AI sector by 2031.

Escalation and Targeting

This recent threat underscores a strategic pivot towards asymmetric warfare, where high-value technological infrastructure replaces traditional military sites as primary targets. The video released by the IRGC prominently featured images of American CEOs from partner companies like Microsoft and Goldman Sachs, further emphasizing the intent to target Western economic interests.

This incident follows prior warnings issued by Iranian officials in March, which designated 18 US-based technology and finance companies—including Apple, Google, and Meta—as "terrorist companies" for alleged espionage activities. While earlier reports in April regarding an attack on an Oracle data center in Dubai were dismissed by UAE media as fabricated, the latest video threat highlights the growing vulnerability of critical IT infrastructure in the Gulf region.