In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Iranian state media has warned that offices and infrastructure belonging to major United States technology firms could be targeted as the regional conflict widens. The Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), published a list of entities it claims are linked to Israel and utilized for military purposes.
Tech Giants in the Crosshairs
The report specifically named industry heavyweights including Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir Technologies, IBM, and Oracle Corporation. Iranian sources argued that because these companies provide cloud-based services and technology used in military applications, their physical locations are now considered "legitimate targets."
The identified infrastructure is reportedly situated across various Israeli cities and Gulf countries. This move signals a shift toward what Iranian officials describe as "infrastructure war," expanding the scope of potential retaliatory actions beyond traditional military assets.
Broader Warnings and Civilian Safety
Beyond technology firms, Iranian officials also indicated that economic centers and banks with ties to US and Israeli entities could face strikes. This warning comes in response to what Iran claims was an attack on one of its own financial institutions. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters advised civilians to maintain a distance of at least one kilometer from these potential target locations to ensure their safety.
Context of the Conflict
The threats emerge amidst an intense phase of the regional conflict, now in its 12th day. Recent reports detail heavy bombardments in Tehran and casualties in southern Lebanon following Israeli strikes. As the geopolitical landscape becomes increasingly volatile, the inclusion of corporate tech infrastructure in military targeting strategies marks a concerning development for global technology firms operating in the region.
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