In a statement released on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, the Guard declared that at least 18 international companies would be considered “legitimate targets” following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran. The warning, circulated through a Guard-affiliated Telegram channel, named several global firms including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, and Google, along with Cisco, Intel, Oracle, IBM, and Tesla.
According to the statement, attacks were set to begin at 8:00 PM Tehran time on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 (12:30 PM EDT in the United States). Employees at facilities across the Middle East were urged to leave their workplaces immediately to ensure their safety.
The list of potential targets extended beyond technology companies to include financial and industrial firms such as JPMorgan, Boeing, and General Electric, as well as UAE-based artificial intelligence company G42. The breadth of the warning reflects a growing trend in which corporate and digital assets are increasingly viewed as strategic components in geopolitical conflicts.
An Intel spokesperson said the company is closely monitoring developments and has taken steps to safeguard its employees and operations in the region. Similar responses are expected across the industry as companies reassess security risks.
Security analysts say the threat highlights a shift in modern conflict dynamics, where data centers, cloud platforms, and global tech infrastructure are becoming primary targets rather than secondary considerations. The warning follows reported disruptions in March 2026 affecting cloud services in the United Arab Emirates, underscoring vulnerabilities in interconnected digital systems amid rising tensions.
