Israel conducted strikes on Iran’s heavy water plant in Arak and two major steel plants in Isfahan and Khuzestan, despite President Donald Trump’s announced pause on attacks targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the attacks, carried out in coordination with the U.S., contradicted Trump’s extended diplomatic deadline, and warned Iran would exact a “heavy price.”
"Israel has hit 2 of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S," Araghchi wrote on X. "Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes."
The Israeli military confirmed striking the Arak heavy water facility—described as a key site for plutonium production—and the uranium extraction plant in Yazd, marking a significant escalation in Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28, 2026. Israeli strikes also targeted University of Science and Technology in Tehran, founded in 1929.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Kuwait, Tel Aviv and Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, injuring at least 10 U.S. troops, two seriously, and damaging a refueling tanker. A missile strike near Tel Aviv killed two people in Ramat Gan and injured others, while air raid sirens continued to sound across Israel.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that retaliation “will no longer be an eye for an eye,” and threatened U.S.- and Israeli-linked companies. The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint, with Iran warning of complete closure if U.S. attacks proceed.
The IRGC also claimed it struck U.S. Marines on Kuwait's Bubiyan Island with drones and missiles, allegedly killing "many" American troops:
"This attack will continue everywhere in this region until they are completely wiped out from Muslim lands," IRGC spokesman said.
Over 300 U.S. servicemembers have been injured in the conflict, with 13 American troops killed.
More than 1,900 people have died in Iran, 1,100 in Lebanon, and 18 in Israel.
The U.S. has proposed a 15-point ceasefire plan, including restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran has rejected it, demanding reparations and sovereignty recognition.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G7 allies the war could end in “weeks, not months,” and emphasized no U.S. ground troops would be deployed.
Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, and global markets remain volatile amid widespread damage to regional energy and civilian infrastructure
