TEHRAN, March 11, 2026 — Iran’s military has formally threatened to target economic and banking centers affiliated with the United States and Israel across the Middle East, warning civilians in the region to stay at least one kilometer away from banks as retaliation looms .
The warning from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the Iranian military’s joint operational command, came after what Tehran described as a US-Israeli strike on an Iranian bank overnight .
“Following their failed campaign, the terrorist army of the US and the cruel Zionist regime targeted one of the country’s banks,” spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaghari said in a statement carried by state media .
“With this illegitimate and unusual action, the enemy is forcing us to target economic centers and banks linked to the US and the Zionist regime in the region,” he added. “The Americans must wait for our retaliatory and painful action” .
‘Door Opened’ for Economic Warfare
Zolfaghari framed the alleged bank strike as a significant escalation in the conflict’s rules of engagement . “This unlawful and unconventional act in warfare has opened the door for us to target economic centers and banks affiliated with the US and Israel in the region,” he said .
The spokesman specifically warned regional residents to avoid banks, stating that Iran would begin targeting American and Israeli-affiliated economic interests starting Wednesday, March 11 .
Iran Vows Retaliation for Civilian Deaths
In a parallel statement, Iranian Armed Forces spokesman Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi accused the United States and Israel of using civilians as “human shields” by striking residential areas .
“Due to the desperation of the American army and the Zionist regime, which are unable to withstand Iran’s armed forces and suffer heavy losses daily under our relentless attacks, they target innocent women and children, causing bloodshed,” Shekarchi said. “They must expect devastating and lethal strikes from Iran in response to the attack on residential buildings” .
He urged residents of Muslim communities across the region to “reveal the locations of American forces” to help Iran more effectively neutralize threats while ensuring civilian safety .
Sirens Over Jerusalem, Strikes in Lebanon
The threats came amid continued military exchanges across the region. AFP journalists in Jerusalem reported hearing air raid sirens and distant explosions late Tuesday into Wednesday, as Iran launched fresh missile attacks .
Israeli emergency services reported treating individuals injured while rushing to shelters, as well as cases of anxiety attacks .
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli airstrikes on a town in the eastern region killed seven people and wounded 18 others Wednesday as the conflict entered its tenth day . The Lebanese army confirmed one soldier was killed, bringing the total number of troops killed in the conflict to five .
Broader Regional Fallout
The escalating confrontation has now drawn in multiple fronts:
- Bahrain sounded sirens early Wednesday warning of incoming Iranian attacks, a day after a strike on the capital Manama killed a 29-year-old woman .
- Saudi Arabia intercepted multiple missiles targeting Prince Sultan Air Base and the Shaybah oil field .
- The UAE reported six nationals killed and 122 residents injured since the start of Iranian attacks .
- Iraq saw drones target military bases inside Baghdad International Airport, with some falling near logistical support sites used by US-led coalition forces .
The Pentagon confirmed that approximately 140 US service members have been wounded in the conflict since it began on February 28, with seven killed. Iran reports at least 1,230 civilians killed in US-Israeli strikes, while more than 480 have died in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, according to officials .
Oil Markets on Edge
The threat to economic infrastructure has heightened concerns about global energy supplies. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has proposed the largest release of oil reserves in its history to curb surging crude prices .
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have previously vowed to block oil shipments from the Gulf entirely, declaring they would not allow “even a single liter” to reach enemies until attacks cease .
The conflict shows no sign of abating. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated Tehran is “definitely not looking for a ceasefire,” insisting “the aggressor should be punched in the mouth so that he learns a lesson” .
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