Iran has renewed threats against the global artificial intelligence industry, warning Gulf states that any cooperation with AI firms aiding its adversaries will be met with "enforcement" by the regime.
The warning comes amid reports of possible renewed military action and advanced US war preparations against the Islamic Republic.
Mohammad Qalibaf, speaker of Iran's parliament, announced that any strike on Iranian infrastructure would trigger retaliatory attacks on Gulf infrastructure. He went further, declaring that Iran intends to begin "enforcing" restrictions on AI use in the Gulf region.
Writing on social media, Qalibaf announced: "Persian Gulf Data Authority is coming. To governments, funds and companies in the region: You are politely requested not to provide resources to any AI or data company that assists in invasions or the killing of children."
He continued with a direct threat to Gulf states hosting major AI infrastructure: "No assistance in financing, stocks, land and energy. Help them and you will face our enforcement."
The statement appears aimed at the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, both of which have invested heavily in AI data centers and have positioned themselves as regional technology hubs. The Gulf states host significant computing infrastructure used by major international AI companies.
Qalibaf's warning follows escalating rhetoric from President Trump and reports of US military readiness for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Iranian regime has repeatedly vowed to respond to any American or Israeli attack by targeting US allies in the region.
