“Iran Warns of ‘Heavy Price’ After Israeli Strikes on Nuclear and Steel Sites, Says Attack Undermines US Deadline”

Iran Warns of “Heavy Price” After Israeli Strikes on Nuclear and Steel Sites

Hours after Israeli airstrikes hit two major Iranian steel plants, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning on Friday, vowing that Tehran would exact a “HEAVY price” for the attacks amid ongoing West Asia peace talks.

Araghchi said on X that Israel targeted two steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites, claiming the strikes were coordinated with the US and violated the extended diplomatic deadline set by President Donald Trump. “Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes,” he wrote.

Israel Confirms Strikes
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes on Iran’s Arak heavy water plant and the uranium extraction facility in Yazd under Operation “Rising Lion.” The Arak plant had not been fully converted to prevent plutonium production, while the Yazd facility was targeted to disrupt uranium enrichment crucial for nuclear weapons.

Impact on Steel Plants and Civilian Infrastructure
Iranian media reported additional strikes on steel companies in Isfahan and Khuzestan. At Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan, a power facility was hit, killing one worker and injuring 15. Khuzestan’s steel plant sustained damage, injuring 16 workers. Other targets included a mine in Firouz Abad, a cement factory in Kheirabad, and a warehouse at Mashhad airport. Analysts noted that these attacks mark a shift toward targeting Iran’s civilian infrastructure and industries with potential dual-use applications.

US Position and Diplomatic Talks
President Trump had announced a 10-day pause on attacks against Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing ongoing negotiations. Araghchi said Israel’s strikes undermined this pause and reiterated Iran’s intent to respond strongly.

Economic Consequences
Senior Iranian officials warned that the steel plant attacks could seriously impact the economy and hinder post-war recovery, as the facilities are critical for construction and infrastructure projects. Residents in major cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz, reported heavy explosions and ongoing airstrikes, heightening public fear.