West Asia war: Israeli-US strike on Tehran bank raises fears for financial hubs in Gulf

Warning was issued by Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Iran’s central military command. Repesentation pic/istock

An Israeli-US airstrike that reportedly killed staff inside a bank building in Tehran has pushed the West Asia conflict into a new economic phase, with Iran's military command warning that banks and financial institutions across the region could now become targets.

The threat has raised alarm in major financial hubs such as Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The escalation comes amid fresh speculation over the health of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since taking power after the death of his father Ali Khamenei earlier in the war.

What banks are in firing line

>> International financial institutions
>> Gulf financial centres
>> Banking headquarters linked to Western economies
Dubai could face heightened security concerns because they host hundreds of international banks and investment firms.

What officials are saying

Iranian military command
"Banks and financial institutions in the region are now considered targets."

Yousef Pezeshkian (Telegram post)
"I heard news about Mr Mojtaba being injured… friends said he is healthy and there is no problem."

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