As reported by CBS News, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has revealed intentions to target U.S.-based technology and finance firms functioning in the Middle East, commencing tomorrow. This announcement follows a caution issued by the IRGC, which has categorized 18 American companies as “terrorist companies,” alleging their involvement as spies for the U.S. government.
Included among the firms named are prominent entities such as Apple, Boeing, Cisco, Google, IBM, J.P. Morgan, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The IRGC’s caution, shared via Telegram, called on employees of these firms to leave their offices immediately for their safety. The statement highlighted that the U.S. had overlooked prior warnings concerning what the IRGC referred to as “terrorist operations,” which they assert led to the fatalities of Iranian citizens.
The IRGC’s message declared, “Given that the primary factor in planning and identifying terror targets is American ICT and AI companies, in retaliation for this terrorist operation, from now on the principal institutions involved in terrorist activities will be our legitimate targets.” Furthermore, it recommended that individuals residing near these companies evacuate within a one-kilometer perimeter to guarantee their safety.
This warning follows a comparable alert issued earlier this month, which arose after drone strikes had impacted Amazon’s infrastructure in the area. The situation continues to develop, and inquiries have been sent to Apple for additional comments on the issue.
The consequences of these threats could bear significant implications for U.S. firms operating in the Middle East, prompting concerns regarding employee safety and the possibility of heightened tensions in the region.