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Major steel plants forced offline after coordinated airstrikes
Iran's two largest steel producers have ceased operations following a series of US-Israeli airstrikes, company officials confirmed. The shutdowns could disrupt domestic construction, manufacturing, and global steel supply chains.
Timeline and economic impact
The strikes began last Friday, with Israeli and Iranian officials attributing the attacks to joint US-Israeli coordination. Mehran Pakbin, deputy operations head at Khuzestan Steel Company in southwestern Iran, told local media that restoring production would require six months to a year.
Mobarakeh Steel Company, located in central Iran, reported its production lines had "completely shut down" due to the intensity of the strikes. Iran ranks as the world's 10th-largest steel producer, according to the World Steel Association, exporting materials worldwide while supplying domestic industries.
Broader infrastructure targeted
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that the strikes hit steel plants, a power facility, and civilian nuclear sites, among other infrastructure. Israeli media cited security sources claiming the attacks could inflict billions of dollars in economic damage, alleging ties between the steel plants and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC retaliated by targeting US-linked steel and aluminum facilities in Gulf states, as well as an Amazon cloud computing center in Bahrain, Iranian state media reported.
Escalating conflict and civilian toll
Recent weeks have seen an expansion of targets. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared the US would "bring Iran back to the stone ages", alarming even Iranian supporters of US-Israeli intervention.
Healthcare facilities have also been struck. Iran's health ministry confirmed an attack on the Pasteur Institute of Iran in Tehran on March 23, calling it a "direct assault on international health security" and a violation of the Geneva Conventions. Separately, the IDF acknowledged striking Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, a major pharmaceutical firm, alleging it supplied chemicals for chemical weapons development.
On Thursday, a highway bridge connecting Tehran to Karaj was hit, killing two people, according to Iran's Fars news agency. Trump later celebrated the attack on Truth Social, writing, "The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again." The IDF denied involvement in the bridge strike.
Communication blackout complicates verification
Iran has faced a near-total internet blackout for 34 consecutive days, with connectivity at 1% of normal levels, NetBlocks reported. The restrictions have hindered independent verification of events inside the country.
Statements and next steps
The BBC has sought comment from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and US Central Command (Centcom) but has not received a response. Observers warn the widening scope of attacks risks further destabilizing Iran's economy and civilian infrastructure.
