In a significant blow to Iran's economy, the country's two largest steel plants have been shut down due to repeated US-Israeli air strikes. The Khuzestan Steel Company and Mobarakeh Steel Company reported their shutdowns, with estimates for restarting operations ranging from six months to a year.
Mehran Pakbin, deputy head of operations at Khuzestan Steel Company, confirmed that the attacks, coordinated between Israel and the US, led to complete shutdowns due to high volumes of damage impacting production lines. The strikes are expected to have economic repercussions, as Iran is the 10th largest producer of steel globally. Any halt to production may disrupt both local supply chains and international exports.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that key infrastructure, including steel factories and power plants, has been targeted, intensifying the scrutiny of US-Israeli military operations in the region. Reports indicate that the air strikes could cost billions in damages, particularly affecting industries linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The situation raises alarms among Iranian citizens and businesses, particularly as the country grapples with extensive economic sanctions. The IRGC has responded by targeting facilities in the Gulf states, illustrating an escalating military conflict.
With the internet access severely limited in Iran and reports on military activities circulating, the ongoing situation remains precarious, showing the potential for broader implications beyond immediate damage to infrastructure.
