By Muhammad Mamman
Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has reportedly suggested that Google and other technology companies operating in the region could be considered “legitimate targets”, according to a new report that has heightened concerns about the safety of global tech infrastructure.
The remarks, attributed to individuals linked to the IRGC, signal a potential escalation in tensions between Iran and Western technology firms that provide digital services, data infrastructure and communication platforms across the Middle East.
The warning, cited in the report, did not specify immediate plans for action but suggested that technology companies perceived to be cooperating with foreign governments or intelligence agencies could fall within the scope of Iran’s strategic response framework.
Security analysts say the statement reflects growing distrust among Iranian security institutions toward large technology companies, many of which they accuse of facilitating surveillance, cyber operations and information campaigns against the country.
The IRGC, one of the most influential military and political institutions in Iran, has long played a central role in the country’s cyber and intelligence operations. In recent years, Iranian authorities have repeatedly criticised Western tech platforms over issues ranging from data access to content moderation.
Experts warn that framing technology firms as potential targets could have serious implications for cybersecurity and regional stability, particularly as multinational companies maintain data centres, offices and critical digital infrastructure throughout the Middle East.
Neither Google nor other major technology companies named in the report have publicly responded to the claims.
