Iran has escalated its stance in the ongoing Middle East conflict by declaring that economic and banking interests linked to the United States and Israel in the region are now legitimate targets. The announcement comes after recent attacks on Iranian facilities, which Tehran describes as part of an effort to undermine its sovereignty and regional influence.
The Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, the central command of Iran’s armed forces, stated that banks and financial institutions tied to US and Israeli interests could be at risk if hostilities continue. Iranian media has warned civilians to avoid such facilities to prevent potential harm. The move represents a broadening of Iran’s operational focus, expanding the conflict beyond traditional military engagements.
In addition to banking targets, Iranian state-linked outlets and the Revolutionary Guard have published lists of major US technology companies whose infrastructure could also face action. Notable companies cited include Google, Microsoft, Palantir Technologies, IBM, Nvidia, Oracle, and Amazon Web Services. Tehran claims that these companies’ technologies and services support Israeli military operations, making their regional offices and data centers potential targets in retaliation.
Officials described the new posture as part of an “infrastructure war”, signaling that Iran is prepared to target both economic and digital assets. This expansion of threats has raised concerns over the safety of financial hubs and technology networks in Gulf cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Bahrain, which host numerous Western-linked operations.
The escalation could have broader repercussions, affecting regional stability and global markets, especially in sectors linked to finance, energy, and technology. International firms have not publicly responded to the threat, but the warnings underscore the risks to both civilian infrastructure and multinational companies operating in the Middle East.
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