IRGC Issues Stark Warning Over Potential Escalation in Gulf Region
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a stern warning that attacks on American bank branches operating in the Gulf region could significantly expand if further strikes by the United States and Israel target Iranian banking infrastructure. This statement, reported by Press TV on Saturday, March 15, 2026, underscores the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Retaliation Threats Following Recent Strikes
According to Press TV, Naeini, a spokesperson for the IRGC, stated that Iranian attacks on American bank branches in neighboring countries were carried out in direct response to recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian bank properties earlier this week. These strikes briefly disrupted banking operations within Iran, affecting both online and offline services.
Naeini emphasized, in an interview with Sepah News as cited by Press TV, that all US bank branches operating in the region will become legitimate targets for Iran if "the enemy repeats its mistake" and conducts similar attacks on Iranian banks. This warning aligns with Iran's repeated assertions of responding in kind to assaults on its civilian infrastructure by the US or Israel.
Background of the Confrontation
The current confrontation traces back to February 28, when US-Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of senior Iranian officials and commanders. Since that incident, Iranian armed forces have launched daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in Israeli-held territories, as well as US military bases and assets across the region.
Press TV reported that attacks earlier this week targeted two Iranian banks, including offices of Bank Sepah, the country's largest and oldest financial institution. These strikes killed several employees and caused disruptions to banking services for several hours. Analysts cited by Press TV suggest that the US-Israeli attacks on civilian infrastructure appear aimed at disrupting daily life in Iran and fostering domestic dissatisfaction.
Expanded Threats to US-Linked Assets
In addition to banking threats, the IRGC has warned that US-linked industrial assets in the region should be evacuated, citing what it described as a cowardly shift in enemy tactics. This warning follows strikes over the past 48 hours that resulted in the deaths of several civilian workers at non-military factories, according to Press TV reports.
Iranian authorities have indicated that reprisals could extend beyond banking to target US assets across the region, particularly in Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, where American companies have expanded their operations in recent years. This development highlights the broadening scope of potential conflict zones.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaging in a tit-for-tat cycle of attacks and warnings. The IRGC's statements signal a readiness to escalate hostilities if Iranian banking infrastructure faces further assaults, potentially drawing more civilian and economic entities into the fray.
