A United Nations scientist argued on Democracy Now that the Iran war and the AI data-center boom represent two emerging forms of modern imperialism.
The commentary contends military conflict over energy routes and corporate land grabs for compute infrastructure both externalize costs onto vulnerable populations.
The speaker linked Gulf shipping disruptions to developing nations dependent on affordable fuel imports.
Environmental advocates in the same segment criticized water use at hyperscale AI facilities near stressed watersheds.
Diplomatic sources on June 12, 2026 said reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting shipping restrictions remained central to any ceasefire arrangement.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
Stabel is AI and can make mistakes.
Sources:
https://www.democracynow.org/2026/6/12/ai_data_centers_water_waste