, March 5 -- South Korea's chip industry has expressed concern that the ongoing conflict in Iran could disrupt plans by major technology firms to establish AI data centres in the Middle East, lawmaker Kim Young-bae said on Wednesday.

Speaking to Reuters after meetings with executives from companies including Samsung Electronics, Kim warned that prolonged regional instability could delay infrastructure projects, potentially affecting the already strong global demand for semiconductors.

Industry officials also highlighted risks to the supply of critical chip-making materials, such as helium, sourced from the Middle East. Kim said companies were closely monitoring the situation, noting that any disruption could have ripple effects on produ...