Tracking recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure
Tracking Recent US-Israeli Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
Recent attacks on Iran’s infrastructure by US and Israeli forces have escalated tensions in the region. These strikes, aimed at disrupting critical facilities, have targeted bridges, power plants, and industrial sites. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages” if an agreement to end the conflict with the US and Israel isn’t reached, emphasized the severity of the strikes. His rhetoric included a social media post warning that a “whole civilization will die tonight” without a deal.
Damage to Key Facilities
Verified footage and reports indicate that infrastructure vital to daily life has been hit in multiple instances. On Thursday, US aircraft struck a bridge under construction in Karaj, central Iran. Local officials confirmed at least 13 casualties, with images showing a significant gap in the structure and cranes remaining at the site. Trump shared the attack’s footage online, claiming the “biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again,” while hinting at further strikes.
“Steel is a cornerstone of Iran’s non-oil economic capacity,” noted Arman Mahmoudian, a research fellow at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute.
Steel manufacturing facilities have also been hit. On 27 March, smoke from the Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company was captured in verified footage, forcing operations to halt. The plant, Iran’s largest steel producer, contributed around $860m to the economy between March 2025 and January 2026. Satellite images revealed damage at the Khuzestan Steel Company, the second-largest manufacturer, with officials estimating repairs could take up to a year.
Pharmaceutical and Educational Targets
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed to have struck the Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, one of Iran’s major pharmaceutical producers. According to the IDF, the facility had been using “chemical substances, including fentanyl” for weapon development. BBC Verify has not independently confirmed this assertion. Meanwhile, educational institutions have faced damage. Images from Saturday showed debris around Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, with parts of the building destroyed after an attack. Sharif University of Technology also reported damage following strikes on the capital.
Religious sites have not been spared either. In Zanjan, an attack damaged sections of the Husseinya Mosque, killing two people and destroying a clinic and library within the complex. Such strikes have raised concerns about their broader implications, with some senior Democrats and UN officials warning they may constitute war crimes.
Economic Consequences
Experts warn the strikes could severely impact Iran’s economy. Mahmoudian estimated that if Israeli attacks reduced steel production capacity by 70%, nearly 20 million tons of output would be at risk, potentially affecting 3–3.5% of the country’s GDP. The pharmaceutical sector, though smaller, could disrupt healthcare access during critical periods. Iranian media previously stated that over 90% of medicines are domestically produced, but BBC Verify has not confirmed this claim.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that the strikes have crippled 70% of Iran’s steel manufacturing capability, underscoring the strategic intent behind these targeted actions. As the conflict continues, the cumulative effect on Iran’s infrastructure and economy remains a focal point for analysts and policymakers alike.
