Damascus, March 19 (SANA) – Escalating military tensions between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other are beginning to impact the global technology sector, as disruptions extend beyond oil markets to affect helium, a critical resource for the digital economy. The situation has raised growing concerns over the stability of data centers worldwide, particularly in the Gulf region.
Helium plays a key role in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced data center cooling, with more than one-third of global supplies sourced from Qatar. However, the conflict that erupted on February 28, coupled with an Iranian attack on the Ras Laffan industrial complex and disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, has hindered exports and affected production.
Industry experts warn of significant consequences. Founder of Kornbluth Helium Consulting LLC, Phil Kornbluth told CNBC that a global production shutdown lasting two to three months is increasingly plausible, while University of Texas energy expert Michael E. Webber noted that restrictions in the strait would reduce supply and drive prices higher.
The shortage is already affecting major technology operations. Amazon reported drone attacks damaging several of its data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, while analysts caution that if the conflict continues for more than four months, it could delay or freeze major investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure across the Gulf.
Major corporations are attempting to mitigate risks by securing diversified supply chains. South Korea’s SK Hynix stated it has long maintained sufficient helium reserves, reducing immediate impacts on production, while Seagate Technology indicated it retains short-term supply flexibility, though it warned that prolonged disruptions could worsen the global semiconductor shortage.
As the crisis unfolds, helium shortages are emerging as a critical indicator of vulnerabilities in global supply chains, with potential long-term implications for data center stability and digital investment trends in the Gulf region.
Kh.A
