Hours after US-Israel struck two major Iranian steel plants, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a sharp warning on Friday. He condemned the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities and steel factories,
saying Tehran would exact a “HEAVY price” for crimes by Tel Aviv, amid ongoing negotiations to end the West Asia conflict.
Araghchi said on X that Israel had attacked two steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites. He also criticised US President Donald Trump, claiming the strikes contradicted the extended diplomatic deadline set by him.
“Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S. Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes,” reads his post on X.
Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S.
Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy.
Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 27, 2026
Israel confirms strikes on nuclear sites
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water plant and a uranium extraction facility in Yazd, under Operation “Rising Lion.”
The IDF stated these sites are central to producing materials for nuclear weapons, including weapons-grade plutonium and precursor materials for uranium enrichment. The Arak plant had not been converted to prevent plutonium production, prompting the renewed strike. The Yazd facility was targeted to disrupt uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons.
Damage to steel plants and civilian infrastructure
Iranian state media reported separate attacks on steel companies in Isfahan and Khuzestan, allegedly carried out jointly by Israel and the US.
At the Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan, a power facility was struck while employees were present, killing one person and injuring 15. In Khuzestan, the steel company suffered damage and 16 workers were injured. Other targets included a mine in Firouz Abad, a cement factory in Kheirabad, and a warehouse at Mashhad airport.
The strikes marked a shift toward targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure and economy, with industries often described as “dual use” with both civilian and military applications.
US position and diplomatic talks
President Trump announced on Thursday a 10-day extension on strikes targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, until 6 April 2026, citing requests from the Iranian government. He said negotiations with Tehran were “going very well.”
Araghchi argued that Israeli attacks undermined this pause and reiterated that Iran would respond strongly.
Impact on Iran’s economy
Senior Iranian officials stated that the steel plant attacks dealt a major blow to the economy and could hamper post-war recovery. The steel plants are crucial for construction materials and infrastructure. It is unclear whether the factories had contracts with Iran’s armed forces, though they are under US sanctions.
Residents in major cities including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz reported ongoing airstrikes, with heavy explosions shaking buildings for hours. Many expressed fear for their safety amid the conflict.
