Iran warns major tech companies, including Apple, could become regional targets
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps added 18 major U.S. companies to its list of possible targets, following Tuesday's deadly strikes on Iranian citizens.
Apple Dubai Mall, an Apple store in the region | Image credit: Apple
The companies named included major tech players like Apple, Cisco, Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. Employees and residents in the region have been told to evacuate and seek shelter at locations at least one kilometer away from central offices, or in Apple's case, retail stores.
In a post on its Telegram App, seen by CBS News, the IRGC accused the companies of acting like spies.
According to the IRCG, the U.S. "ignored our repeated warnings about the need to stop terrorist operations, and today, a number of Iranian citizens were martyred in your and your Israeli allies' terrorist attacks."
"Since the main element in designing and tracking terror targets are American ICT and AI companies, in response to this terrorist operation, from now on the main institutions effective in terrorist operations will be our legitimate targets."
While most of the targets were technology and AI companies, they weren't the only ones listed. Also included were defense contractor Boeing and financial giant J.P Morgan.
In early March, Apple had temporarily closed its retail locations in the United Arab Emirates following Iran strikes. According to the Apple Dubai Mall page, the store is currently open. However, it's possible that regional stores could close again as tensions escalate.
Beyond retail stores, Apple has a large research and development center in Herzliya Pituach, Israel and an assortment of administrative offices in Dubai.
Read on AppleInsider
Comments