Iran declares US-Israeli economic, banking interests in region are targets Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned of attacks on “economic centres and banks” linked to United States and Israeli entities in the region, following what it described as an attack on an Iranian bank. The conflict, now in its 12th day, has seen Iran escalate its threats, with the IRGC-affiliated Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters accusing the “enemy” of leaving Iran’s hands “open” to targeting financial institutions tied to the US and Israel. A spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya group, recognized by the United Nations as IRGC-owned, stated that “the enemy left our hands open to targeting economic centres and banks belonging to the United States and the Zionist regime in the region.” The warning included a directive that “people of the region should not be within a one-kilometre radius of banks,” while also urging the Americans to “await our countermeasure and our painful response.” Iran’s counterattacks have intensified as explosions have struck Tehran, with the country claiming that US and Israeli forces have bombed nearly 10,000 civilian sites since the war began on February 28. The toll includes over 1,300 civilian casualties, according to Iranian state media. The IRGC’s Tasnim news agency released a list of offices and infrastructure operated by top US companies with Israeli ties, which the agency labeled “Iran’s new targets.” The companies include Google, Microsoft, Palantir, IBM, Nvidia, and Oracle. The listed facilities, which provide cloud-based services, are located in multiple Israeli cities and some Gulf countries, according to Al Jazeera reporter Maziar Motamedi. The warnings came after an Israeli airstrike on a bank branch in Tehran, which Iran’s state broadcaster called an “illegitimate and unusual act in war.#iran #israel #hezbollah #al_qard_al_hassan #khatam_al_anbiya
Israel strikes and destroys building in heart of Beirut An Israeli airstrike has damaged a building in central Beirut, marking another escalation in the ongoing conflict. The attack occurred in the Bashoura neighborhood, a commercial area near downtown businesses and hotels. Israeli military officials had issued a warning at 04:00, urging evacuation of the building and surrounding areas, citing it as a facility linked to Hezbollah. As of now, there are no confirmed casualties from the strike. The conflict in Lebanon began on March 2 when Hezbollah launched missile attacks on Israel, supporting Iran’s regional interests. In response, Israel initiated bombing campaigns and deployed troops to southern Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported 912 deaths, including 111 children, since the war began. Over a million people have been displaced, primarily in southern and eastern Lebanon, where Hezbollah has strong support. However, Israeli strikes have expanded beyond these areas, targeting locations with less direct Hezbollah presence. The building in Bashoura, which was already damaged in previous attacks, has now been completely destroyed. Israel claims it is targeting not only Hezbollah fighters but also financial structures believed to fund the group’s operations. This includes the Al Qard Al Hassan "bank," which has offices across Beirut and has been hit by multiple airstrikes. The Israeli military has also struck hotels in the capital, with some attacks suspected to be assassination attempts against Hezbollah figures or Iranian-linked individuals. In the early stages of the war, Israeli bombing focused on southern Beirut, particularly the Dahieh district, a Hezbollah stronghold. The area has faced relentless attacks, forcing thousands to flee and leaving parts of the city in ruins, described by locals as resembling Gaza.#israel #hezbollah #beirut #al_qard_al_hassan #dahieh
