Tracking recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure
Tracking Recent US-Israeli Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
Recent aerial assaults by US and Israeli forces have targeted key parts of Iran’s industrial and transportation networks, raising concerns about the scale of damage and its economic consequences. Verified reports indicate attacks on steel manufacturing sites, bridges, and a major pharmaceutical facility, with local officials noting casualties and disrupted operations. These strikes, which have intensified since the conflict began, have reportedly affected critical infrastructure essential for daily life.
Steel Production Facilities Under Fire
Two major steel plants have been hit in the past two weeks, according to BBC Verify. The Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company, Iran’s largest producer, saw smoke rising from its premises after an attack. The plant generated approximately $860m in exports between March 2025 and January 2026. Satellite images confirmed damage at Khuzestan Steel Company, the second-largest facility, with repairs estimated to take up to a year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the strikes had crippled 70% of Iran’s steel manufacturing capacity.
“Steel is a cornerstone of Iran’s non-oil economic capacity. If Israeli strikes have indeed dismantled around 70% of Iran’s steel production capability, this would place nearly 20 million tons of output at risk, potentially affecting around 3–3.5% of Iran’s GDP,” said Arman Mahmoudian, a research fellow at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute.
Bridges and Railway Infrastructure Hit
A bridge in Karaj, a central city, was attacked on Thursday, resulting in at least 13 fatalities. Footage verified by BBC Showed two strikes leaving a significant gap in the structure. Trump later shared the video, declaring that “the biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again,” and hinted at more strikes to come. Additionally, Israeli forces bombed 10 “key” railway components, including a bridge in Aminabad village that collapsed following the attacks.
Pharmaceutical Sector Targeted
The IDF announced a strike on the Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, one of Iran’s largest pharmaceutical producers. The attack, which occurred on March 31, was alleged to have destroyed facilities used for chemical weapon development. While the BBC cannot independently confirm the claim, the strike could disrupt access to vital medicines, such as anaesthetics and cancer drugs, impacting Iran’s healthcare system. Mahmoudian warned that attacks on this sector threaten Tehran’s “medical independence,” even if they represent a smaller share of the economy.
Education and Religious Sites Damaged
Verified images reveal significant damage to Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, with debris scattered around its exterior and parts of the building destroyed. Similarly, strikes on the capital reportedly damaged Sharif University of Technology. Religious buildings were also targeted, including the Husseinya Mosque in Zanjan, where an attack destroyed a clinic and library, killing two individuals. These strikes highlight the broad reach of the conflict beyond military targets, affecting civilian infrastructure.
Senior Democrats in the US Congress and UN officials have raised alarms about the potential for these actions to qualify as war crimes. Trump, however, dismissed such concerns during a Monday press conference, insisting that the strikes were part of a broader strategy to pressure Iran into a deal. As the attacks continue, the long-term implications for Iran’s economy and society remain a subject of intense debate.