Iran Official Warns AI Infrastructure Is a Target in 'War of Surprises'

A senior Iranian security official told CNN that Iran has added regional AI infrastructure to its list of retaliation targets. The threat applies if the United States or Israel attacks.

The official said any renewed conflict would become a long “war of surprises.” Iran, the official said, would avoid predictable behavior.

The official was not named and spoke on condition of anonymity, CNN reported. The claim cannot be independently verified.

What the Official Said

CNN’s Fred Pleitgen reported the remarks on Friday evening. The official said hitting AI infrastructure would carry consequences beyond the energy crisis and the Strait of Hormuz. The effects, the official said, would be felt worldwide.

The official said Iran would prioritize surprise in the next war, both at the start and throughout. CNN’s published excerpts name no specific sites or countries.

CNN also reported on Monday that U.S. forces could launch major operations within 96 hours of a Trump order. It cited two U.S. officials.

Unverified Extra Lines

A longer version of the remarks is circulating online. It says Iran’s target list has been updated and is broad. It also says Tehran will not let Washington carry out an aggressive plan.

It adds that AI infrastructure enables U.S. and Israeli aggression, so it would count as a legitimate target. Those lines do not appear in the CNN excerpts we reviewed, so treat them as unconfirmed.

A Pattern of AI Threats

The threat builds on earlier warnings. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s top security council, threatened “cables, data centers, AI facilities and other sites in the region.” AP reported it on Oct. 11.

Iran International quoted Rezaei putting the value of those assets at $2 trillion. CNN reported on Oct. 19 that officials also floated cutting undersea cables. They also floated striking oil and gas sites.

CNN noted that attacks on data centers earlier in the war disrupted banking services in several countries. It said Iran fired more than 2,500 missiles and drones at the UAE, citing UAE defense ministry figures.

Tehran Sends More Signals Today

Armed forces chief Ali Abdollahi said on Saturday that Iran is updating its target list. Our report on his message covers his warning of a harsher response.

Iran International reported that Abdollahi promised an “unimaginable response” to any new attack. He said Iran would decide how the fighting ends.

Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered commanders to update the “target bank,” as we reported earlier. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not surrender while Qatari-led talks continue.

Washington Weighs New Strikes

MS NOW reported that Trump plans strikes as soon as Nov. 4, citing three senior regional officials. That is the day after the U.S. midterm elections.

Trump has said the United States has time. Iran’s message is aimed at raising the cost of any new round.