Israel conducted airstrikes on two of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant, and several nuclear-related sites on Friday, escalating the conflict now in its fifth week. The Israeli Defense Forces hit Khuzestan Steel near Ahvaz and Mobarakeh Steel in Isfahan, facilities partially owned by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Damage at Khuzestan Steel included two storage silos, while Mobarakeh Steel suffered hits to a substation, an alloy steel line, power units, and direct-reduction facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on X that "Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure." He claimed the strikes contradicted U.S. President Donald Trump's extended 10-day deadline for diplomacy on targeting Iranian energy assets, set to expire April 6.

The strikes also targeted nuclear infrastructure, including a uranium processing facility in Yazd province for yellowcake production and the Khondab heavy water complex near Arak. Iran's Atomic Energy Organization reported no radiation leaks or casualties at these sites. A projectile landed near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant but caused no damage.

Israeli officials described the steel plants as key economic assets funding the regime and linked to the IRGC, with damage expected to cost billions and disrupt production. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed to intensify operations, accusing Iran of targeting Israeli civilians with missiles.

The attacks mark the first major targeting of Iran's non-oil industrial base in the war that began February 28 with Israeli and U.S. operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top IRGC commanders were killed early in the campaign. Iran has fired missiles at Israel, the Gulf states, and U.S. bases, killing four Israeli soldiers, 21 civilians, and 11 U.S. troops.

Araghchi pledged Iran would "exact a heavy price" for the strikes, while the IRGC warned of attacks on regional steel plants in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and others with U.S. or Israeli ties. Casualties from Friday's strikes remained low, with 18 reported dead in Qom and isolated incidents at industrial sites.

The strikes come as Trump extended a pause on broader energy infrastructure attacks amid U.S.-Iran talks over the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has turned back ships and threatened tolls. Oil prices rose, and markets fell on fears of prolonged conflict disrupting global supply chains.