Tehran — Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after Iran warned it could launch retaliatory attacks against American and Israeli banking institutions following a deadly strike on a financial facility in the Iranian capital.
Iranian military officials accused the United States and Israel of carrying out an overnight attack on a bank in Tehran, describing the strike as an “illegitimate and unconventional act of war.” According to Iranian state media, the strike killed several employees who were inside the building at the time, triggering outrage among government and military leaders.
A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the operational command of Iran’s armed forces, said the attack had effectively expanded the range of targets Tehran now considers legitimate in the ongoing conflict. Iranian authorities warned that economic centers and banking institutions linked to the United States and Israel across the Middle East could become targets in response.
“The enemy has left our hands open to target economic centers and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime,” the spokesperson said in remarks carried by Iranian media. Officials added that the response could be “painful” and urged civilians in the region to stay at least one kilometer away from banks associated with American or Israeli interests.
The warning comes amid an intensifying conflict that began after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets earlier in the year. Since then, both sides have exchanged drone, missile, and air attacks, with casualties reported in several countries across the region.
Security analysts say targeting financial infrastructure would mark a significant escalation in the conflict. Banks and financial institutions are considered critical economic assets, and any attack on them could disrupt global markets and increase fears of a broader regional war.
Some international financial institutions operating in the Gulf have already begun taking precautionary measures. Reports indicate that certain banks in regional financial hubs are reducing staff presence or shifting operations remotely amid concerns over possible retaliatory strikes.
As tensions continue to rise, diplomats and global leaders are urging restraint to prevent the conflict from expanding beyond military targets into a wider economic and infrastructure war across the Middle East.
If the threats materialize, experts warn the confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel could enter a dangerous new phase with far-reaching global consequences.
