Iran's two largest steel plants have been shut down due to multiple rounds of US-Israeli air strikes, the companies operating them say.
Our initial estimate is that restarting these units will take at least six months and up to one year, Mehran Pakbin, deputy head of operations at the Khuzestan Steel Company in south-western Iran, was quoted as saying by Iranian media.
Mobarakeh Steel Company said its production lines in the centre of the country had completely shut down following the high volume of attacks.
The strikes, which Israeli media and Iran's foreign minister said were first launched by Israel in co-ordination with the US last Friday, could cause major damage to Iran's economy.
Iran is the 10th biggest producer of steel globally, according to data from the World Steel Association. In addition to using steel domestically for construction and manufacturing, it exports the material across the world.
Any halt to production could have major implications for supply chains and businesses across the country, which for years have been affected by comprehensive Western sanctions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed strikes on two of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure, highlighting the extensive targets impacted by these operations.
Israeli sources have claimed that these strikes are expected to cause billions of dollars in damage to the Iranian economy, linking the steel plants to the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC).
The IRGC has responded by targeting US-linked steel and aluminium facilities in Gulf states.
With escalating tensions, US President Donald Trump reiterated a hardline stance, suggesting that the actions against Iran were necessary to prevent its military prowess from growing.
Additionally, a medical research facility and a pharmaceutical company in Iran have reportedly been targeted, reinforcing fears that military operations are broadening beyond conventional military targets, impacting essential civilian infrastructure and health services.
Iran has been under internet blackout for 34 days, complicating verification of information regarding the situation.
