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Iran Targets Tech Giants in Israel, Gulf as Middle East Conflict Escalates

Iranian media affiliated with the IRGC has published a list of US technology company offices and infrastructure in Israel and the Gulf as potential new targets. The report alleges these firms' technology has been used for military purposes, widening the scope of legitimate targets in the regional conflict. Companies named include Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle, with specific offices cited in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Israeli cities. The warnings coincide with escalating tensions, Iranian counterstrikes, and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, raising global energy security concerns.

Key Points: Iran May Attack US Tech Offices in Israel, Gulf: Report

  • IRGC lists US tech firms as targets
  • Warns of attacks on economic centres
  • Advises public to avoid locations
  • Strait of Hormuz blockade raises global concerns
2 min read

Iran may target tech giants' offices in Israel, Gulf: Report

Iran's IRGC lists Google, Microsoft, and other US tech firms as potential targets in the widening Middle East infrastructure war, per reports.

"left Iran free to target economic centres and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime in the region - Khatam al-Anbiya spokesperson"

New Delhi, March 11

Offices and infrastructure of major US technology companies in Israel and some Gulf countries could come under Iranian attack as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, according to reports.

Iran's Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has reportedly published a list of offices and infrastructure run by leading American companies with Israeli links, alleging that their technology has been used for military purposes.

The list described these facilities as "Iran's new targets", adding that as the regional conflict expands into an infrastructure war, the scope of what Tehran considers legitimate targets may also widen.

Companies mentioned in the list include Google, Microsoft, Palantir Technologies, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle Corporation, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

The companies operate offices across several Israeli cities and parts of the Gulf region. Google has its Middle East headquarters in Dubai, while Microsoft maintains a significant regional presence in Abu Dhabi. Both firms also operate offices in Israel.

Tehran has also warned that economic centres and banks linked to US and Israeli entities in the region could become potential targets.

According to Al Jazeera, a spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, which the United Nations describes as being owned by the IRGC, said that the recent strikes had "left Iran free to target economic centres and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime in the region".

The spokesperson reportedly warned residents in the region to stay away from such locations, saying people should not remain within a one-kilometre radius of banks linked to those entities.

Iranian media also reported that recent US and Israeli strikes had hit a bank in Tehran, resulting in casualties among employees, although the number of deaths was not specified.

The warnings come as tensions escalate following Iranian counterstrikes after coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel. Tehran has also targeted US-linked assets in the region and warned Gulf nations allied with Washington.

Meanwhile, Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route, has raised concerns over energy security, particularly for major Asian importers such as China and India.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The mention of the Strait of Hormuz is the real worry for us. India gets a significant portion of its oil through that route. Any blockade will send fuel prices skyrocketing here. Our government needs to have strong contingency plans. 🛢️
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Aman W
While the conflict is tragic, targeting civilian tech infrastructure sets a dangerous precedent. Google and Microsoft services are used by millions for education, healthcare, and business. This isn't just about Israel or the US; it affects users worldwide, including in India.
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Sarah B
Working in tech in Bangalore, this hits close to home. Our teams collaborate daily with colleagues in Dubai and Tel Aviv. This kind of threat creates so much uncertainty. Stay safe to all the professionals in the region.
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Karthik V
India has to walk a very careful diplomatic line. We have important ties with the Gulf for energy and our diaspora, and we can't afford instability there. At the same time, we have our own strategic interests. A tough balancing act for MEA.
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Nikhil C
Respectfully, the article seems to rely heavily on reports from Iranian state-affiliated media and Al Jazeera. It would be good to see more perspectives, perhaps from the tech companies themselves or regional security analysts, to get a fuller picture. The situation is complex enough.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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