Trump Mocks IRGC Hitlist: “With What? BB Guns?”

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday ridiculed a new threat from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeting 18 major American corporations, including Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Interacting with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump questioned the credibility of Tehran’s military capabilities following a month of devastating U.S.-Israeli strikes.

1. The “BB Guns” Remark

When asked by a reporter about the IRGC’s specific threats against U.S. companies operating in the Gulf region, Trump responded with characteristic derision:

• The Exchange: “With what? What did they threaten them with? BB guns or? They don’t have much left to threaten,” Trump remarked.
• The Nuclear Factor: Referencing the February 28 strikes intended to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, Trump added, “You know what they’re not going to do… they are not going to hit them with a nuclear weapon.”
• The Stance: Trump appeared seemingly annoyed by the questioning, at one point asking if the Iranians had simply said “something nasty” rather than issuing a credible military ultimatum.

2. The IRGC Hitlist: A Global Tech Focus

The IRGC’s statement, released Tuesday, represents a significant shift in strategy, moving beyond military targets to focus on the economic engines of the United States.

• The Deadline: The IRGC warned that “destruction of these units” would begin at 8:00 PM Tehran time on Wednesday, April 1 (10:30 PM IST / 5:00 PM GMT).
• The Warning: “We advise the employees of these institutions to immediately leave their workplaces to preserve their lives,” the IRGC stated.

The 18 Targeted Companies Include:

• Tech & Silicon: Apple, Microsoft, Google, Intel, Cisco, IBM, Oracle, Dell, HP.
• Finance & Industrial: JPMorgan Chase, Boeing, General Electric, Tesla.
• Social Media: Meta Platforms (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp).

3. Vulnerability in the Gulf

The threat is particularly acute in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where many of these firms have a heavy presence.

• Dubai & Abu Dhabi: Apple and Microsoft maintain flagship retail stores and regional corporate headquarters in these cities.
• Security Concerns: While Trump dismissed the threat, the UAE has been intercepting missiles and drones regularly since the war began on February 28. The IRGC’s specific mention of private-sector offices has added a new layer of anxiety for thousands of American and international tech employees in the region.

4. Context of the Conflict

The IRGC claims these strikes are a direct response to “targeted assassinations” of Iranian leaders. The conflict, which began with the U.S.-Israeli offensive on February 28, has paralyzed the Strait of Hormuz and led to a “tanker war,” most recently evidenced by the attack on the Kuwaiti vessel Al-Salmi in a Dubai anchorage on Tuesday.

IRGC Threat Timeline (April 1, 2026)