Israeli forces struck a key petrochemical plant at Iran's South Pars natural gas field, the world's largest, Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Monday. The facility accounts for half of Iran's petrochemical production and suffered explosions, according to reports.

Katz described the strike as powerful and vowed to continue targeting Iranian infrastructure, stating Israel had severely damaged the country's steel and petrochemical industries. He added that Iranian leaders would be hunted down one by one, emphasizing no immunity for the regime. The attack also killed Asghar Bakeri, leader of a Revolutionary Guard undercover unit.

This follows Israel's airstrikes on Saturday against the Mahshahr petrochemical complex in Khuzestan province, Iran's largest such site with over 50 plants producing 72 million tons annually. The Israel Defense Forces targeted utility plants Fajr 1 and Fajr 2, which supply gas, power, and water, halting all production and causing billions in damage. The IDF stated the sites produce chemicals for explosives, ballistic missiles, and other weaponry used by the regime.

Iranian media reported five people were wounded at Mahshahr, while other accounts cited five killed and 170 injured across facilities. Senior oil ministry officials confirmed the shutdown, noting impacts on electricity for 500,000 residents in the summer. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel destroyed 70 percent of Iran's steel production, raw material for weapons, and targeted petrochemical plants as the regime's funding source for terror.

The strikes occur amid a war that began on February 28, with Israel and the United States hitting Iranian infrastructure, including steel plants, airports, and ports. Iran has launched missile attacks at Israel, killing four in Haifa recently, and threatened Gulf energy sites. Brent crude rose to $109 per barrel, up 50 percent since the conflict started, amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

Ceasefire mediators from Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey proposed a 45-day pause and Strait reopening, but the latest strike jeopardizes talks. U.S. President Donald Trump warned of strikes on Iranian power plants if the Strait remains closed. Iranian Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf called infrastructure threats reckless war crimes.

European leaders urged diplomacy, deeming energy strikes illegal.