Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued warnings targeting a group of major US companies operating in the Middle East, signaling a potential escalation in the ongoing regional conflict. Firms including Apple, Microsoft, Google and Nvidia were named among 18 entities described as “legitimate targets,” according to statements circulated through IRGC-affiliated channels.

The warning follows recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with Tehran indicating that economic and technological infrastructure linked to American interests could be drawn directly into the conflict. The threat specifically references company offices, data centres and other assets across Israel and Gulf countries. Iran Lists Google, Microsoft, Nvidia, Palantir, IBM, Oracle As ‘New Targets’ in Israel and Gulf Amid Escalating Conflict, Report Says.

List of US Companies Under Threat by Iran

In addition to major tech firms, the IRGC-linked communication named a broader group of US corporations and partners with regional operations. These include:

  • Microsoft

  • Google

  • Nvidia

  • Cisco

  • HP

  • Intel

  • Oracle

  • IBM

  • Dell

  • Palantir Technologies

  • JPMorgan

  • Tesla

  • General Electric

  • Boeing

  • Spire Solutions

  • G42

Iranian-linked media reports suggest these companies were identified due to alleged links to US and Israeli operations or the perceived use of their technologies in military contexts.

Focus on Infrastructure and Data Centres

Security analysts say the nature of the threat reflects a shift in how modern conflicts are unfolding. According to risk experts, digital infrastructure such as cloud platforms and data centres are increasingly being viewed as strategic assets rather than neutral commercial entities. Amazon AWS Data Centres Hit in Bahrain: Iranian Military Strikes Damage Critical Cloud Infrastructure Amid Rising Tensions.

Recent incidents underscore these concerns. In early March, Iranian-linked actions reportedly disrupted cloud infrastructure, including data centres associated with Amazon Web Services in the Middle East, leading to outages in parts of the United Arab Emirates.

Companies with large regional footprints, particularly in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, may face heightened exposure. Over the past few years, US  firms have expanded heavily in the Gulf, attracted by energy availability and infrastructure investment opportunities.

Corporate and Government Responses

Some companies have begun responding cautiously to the developments. Intel stated that it is taking steps to safeguard employees and facilities while monitoring the situation. Others, including Microsoft and Google, have declined to comment publicly.

The warnings also extend beyond technology firms. Iranian officials have indicated that banks and economic centres linked to U.S. and allied interests could be targeted, advising civilians to avoid such locations.

The threats come amid a broader escalation following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. Since then, thousands of drones and missiles have reportedly been launched across the region, affecting countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait.

The conflict has also raised concerns about global energy security, particularly after Iran moved to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump indicated that US military forces could withdraw from Iran within weeks, with further policy direction expected in an upcoming national address.

Experts say the targeting of multinational corporations marks a broader evolution in geopolitical risk. As tensions deepen, commercial infrastructure, especially in technology and finance, is increasingly being drawn into conflict scenarios.

For US companies operating in the Middle East, the situation highlights the growing challenge of balancing expansion in strategic markets with rising security concerns.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 02, 2026 04:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).