Iran’s Two Largest Steel Plants Forced to Halt Operations After US-Israeli Air Strikes

Iran’s main steel producers, Khuzestan Steel Company and Mobarakeh Steel Company, have reported full shutdowns following a series of air strikes attributed to US-Israeli coordination, according to the firms’ statements. The attacks, which began last Friday, have reportedly targeted critical infrastructure, including power plants and civilian nuclear facilities, alongside the steel plants.

Production Disruption and Economic Concerns

Mehran Pakbin, deputy operations head at Khuzestan Steel Company, told Iranian media that restarting the facility would require “six to twelve months.” Mobarakeh Steel Company confirmed that its central production lines were “completely paralyzed” by the high volume of strikes. These disruptions threaten supply chains and domestic industries reliant on steel, as Iran ranks among the top ten global steel producers, per the World Steel Association.

“Israel has hit two of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in co-ordination with the US,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a social media post.

Analysts warn that the strikes could inflict billions in economic damage, compounding the challenges faced by Iran under Western sanctions. The attacks have also raised concerns about the scope of the conflict expanding beyond government and military targets, even among Iranians who support the US-Israeli action.

Targeting Global Infrastructure and Health Facilities

Israel’s military reportedly struck a pharmaceutical plant in Iran, accusing it of supplying chemical substances like fentanyl for weapon development. Separately, a medical research center in Tehran, the Pasteur Institute, was attacked on 23 March, with officials calling it “a direct assault on international health security” and a violation of Geneva Conventions.

Meanwhile, the UAE reported engaging with 19 Iranian missiles and 26 drones launched toward its territory. Iranian state media also noted that the IRGC targeted an Amazon cloud computing hub in Bahrain. The US military has yet to comment on the Karaj bridge strike, though Trump claimed the “biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again.”

Internet Blackout Hinders Information Verification

Iran has experienced a 34-day internet blackout, with connectivity to the outside world at 1% of normal levels on Thursday, according to NetBlocks. This has made it difficult for the public to confirm details of the attacks. The IDF stated it was “not aware” of any strikes on Karaj, leaving questions about the accuracy of reports.

The ongoing strikes highlight the growing intensity of the conflict, with US and Israeli forces targeting a range of strategic sites. The Iranian government has criticized the actions, emphasizing the potential for long-term economic consequences as the country struggles to maintain industrial output amid escalating tensions.