Iran threatens Apple, Google, Meta over assassinations

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a stark warning: if more Iranian leaders are assassinated, they will physically attack 18 major US technology firms. The threat, effective 8:00 PM Tehran time on Wednesday, April 1, names Apple, Google, Meta, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle, Tesla, Palantir, and Nvidia, accusing them of complicity in tracking assassination targets. The Guards advise employees to evacuate workplaces and warn residents within a one-kilometre radius of these company facilities in regional countries to move to safety. This follows the reported killings of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and commander Mohammad Pakpour on February 28, along with other officials. The statement claims these tech firms are the “main element” in designing assassination operations after repeated warnings were ignored. In retaliation, Iran’s army separately claimed drone attacks on Israeli communications and industrial centres, including Siemens and AT&T sites, though Israel did not confirm the strikes. The escalation raises concerns about cyber and physical security for global tech infrastructure. For Nigerian professionals working at these firms or users of their services, the threat underscores potential operational disruptions and heightened security protocols. The situation remains volatile with no immediate de-escalation pathway clear. Given the explicit targeting of corporate assets, employees should follow official company security directives and monitor travel advisories for the region. The broader risk is a spillover of conflict into critical digital infrastructure that powers Nigeria’s fintech, communication, and business sectors.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/31/iran-vows-to-target-us-tech-firms-if-more-leaders-are-killed/