Tracking recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure
Recent US-Israeli Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
President Donald Trump has vowed to strike key infrastructure in Iran unless a peace agreement with the US and Israel is finalized by Tuesday night. His rhetoric includes a promise to reduce the country to “the Stone Ages” through targeted attacks on bridges, power plants, and other vital structures. On social media, he warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if negotiations fail. Such strikes have intensified since the conflict began, with schools and hospitals among the damaged sites. BBC Verify has confirmed that US and Israeli forces have hit at least two steel plants, three bridges, and a pharmaceutical facility in the last two weeks.
Impact on Iranian Economy
Arman Mahmoudian, a research fellow at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute, highlighted the economic fallout. He noted that attacks on steel production could severely affect Iran’s non-oil economy. “Steel is a cornerstone of Iran’s non-oil economic capacity,” he stated. If Israeli strikes have destroyed around 70% of the steel manufacturing capability, the loss could threaten nearly 20 million tons of output, potentially reducing the country’s GDP by 3–3.5%.”
Pharmaceutical Strikes and Health Concerns
On 31 March, Israeli forces targeted the Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, one of Iran’s largest pharmaceutical producers. The IDF claimed the company was involved in chemical weapon development, citing the use of substances like fentanyl. While this assertion remains unverified, the strike raised alarms about access to essential medicines. Mahmoudian warned that such attacks could undermine Tehran’s medical independence, especially since pharmaceutical goods make up a small portion of the economy.
Damage to Educational and Religious Sites
Verified footage and images reveal severe destruction to academic institutions. A recent attack on Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran left debris scattered and parts of the building damaged. Similarly, Sharif University of Technology showed signs of strikes on the capital. Religious sites also faced hits, including the Husseinya Mosque in Zanjan, where an attack destroyed a clinic and library. Two casualties were reported from the strike.
Targeting Railways and Recovery Efforts
On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that 10 “key” parts of Iran’s railway network had been bombed. In central Iran, verified footage from Aminabad village depicted a collapsed railway bridge. The Iranian Red Crescent shared a video showing paramedics responding to the damage. Local officials estimated that repairs to the Khuzestan Steel Company, the second-largest steel producer, could take up to a year. The Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel plant, Iran’s largest, was also hit, halting operations after smoke was observed from the facility.
Trump’s Response to Criticism
Trump dismissed concerns from some Democratic lawmakers and UN officials about potential war crimes. He shared footage of the Karaj bridge attack, stating, “The biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again,” and hinted at further strikes. The incident in Karaj killed at least 13 people, with two strikes confirmed by BBC Verify. The bridge’s structural damage was visible in the aftermath, with cranes remaining near the site.
