Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced it will target US companies operating in the Middle East starting April 1, 2026, in retaliation for recent attacks on Iranian territory, according to Iranian state media.
The statement warns that American-linked industrial, energy, and financial facilities will be considered legitimate targets. It urges employees and nearby residents to evacuate immediately for their safety.
The IRGC described the move as a direct response to US and Israeli strikes that have hit Iranian infrastructure, including energy sites and universities. Officials stressed that Iran reserves the right to defend its sovereignty and will respond proportionally to any further aggression.
Background and Context
The threat follows a series of reported strikes on Iran, such as attacks on the University of Science and Technology in Tehran and other infrastructure. In response, the IRGC has previously warned about targeting US and Israeli-affiliated universities, banks, tech firms, and energy assets in countries like the UAE, Qatar, and elsewhere in the Gulf.
Iranian state-linked outlets have circulated lists of potential targets, including major US companies in technology, energy, and finance operating in the region. The IRGC has emphasized that it views these as extensions of “enemy” military and economic capabilities.
The timing — effective April 1 — adds urgency, as it signals a potential new phase of asymmetric retaliation through proxies, missiles, drones, or other means without direct confrontation on Iranian soil.
This development highlights the broadening scope of the Iran-US-Israel shadow war, moving from direct military sites to economic and commercial targets. The situation is evolving rapidly, with risks of miscalculation on all sides.