Tracking recent US-Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure
Tracking Recent US-Israeli Strikes on Iranian Infrastructure
US and Israeli military actions have focused on Iran’s vital infrastructure in recent days, with reports of attacks on bridges, steel facilities, and pharmaceutical plants. These strikes, part of an ongoing campaign, aim to cripple Iran’s ability to sustain operations in the conflict. President Donald Trump, who has long advocated for aggressive measures, reiterated his commitment to targeting key sites unless a deal is reached to end hostilities with the country.
Targeting Bridges and Energy Sites
On Thursday, US aircraft struck a bridge under construction in Karaj, a central Iranian city, killing at least 13 individuals. Verified footage showed two separate explosions, leaving a significant section of the structure collapsed. Trump later shared the footage on social media, declaring that the “biggest bridge in Iran comes tumbling down, never to be used again.” The attack highlights the pattern of infrastructure damage, which has escalated since the conflict began.
“Much more to follow,” Trump added, emphasizing his intent to reduce Iran’s capabilities to “stone ages.” His rhetoric has intensified as the war continues.
Economic and Health Impacts
Steel plants have also been hit, with verified images capturing damage at the Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company. This facility, Iran’s largest steel producer, reported a halt in operations following the strike. Satellite imagery confirmed similar destruction at the Khuzestan Steel Company, the second-largest producer. Local officials estimate repairs could take up to a year, potentially disrupting the country’s non-oil economic foundation.
“Steel is a cornerstone of Iran’s non-oil economic capacity,” said Arman Mahmoudian, a research fellow at the University of South Florida’s Global and National Security Institute. “If Israeli strikes have dismantled 70% of steel production, this could risk nearly 20 million tons of output and impact 3–3.5% of Iran’s GDP.”
Pharmaceutical targets have also drawn attention. On 31 March, the Israel Defense Forces claimed to have attacked the Tofigh Daru Research & Engineering Company, a major producer of anaesthetic and cancer drugs. The IDF alleged the facility had been used to develop chemical weapons, though the BBC has not independently verified this claim. Such strikes could strain Iran’s healthcare system, especially as domestic production of medicines remains uncertain.
Collateral Damage to Education and Religion
Recent attacks have left schools and religious sites in ruins. Verified photos show debris around the Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, with parts of the building destroyed in a strike. Meanwhile, the Husseinya Mosque in Zanjan suffered damage, killing two people and destroying a clinic and library within the complex. These incidents underscore the broader toll on civilian infrastructure.
Trump dismissed concerns over potential war crimes, despite warnings from some Democrats and UN officials. His administration has framed the strikes as necessary to weaken Iran’s capacity, even as the damage to bridges and industrial sites raises questions about the strategy’s long-term effects.
