“Iran Vows ‘Severe Response’ After Israeli Strikes on Nuclear and Steel Plants, Says Attack Defies US Deadline”

Iran Vows “Heavy Price” After Israeli Strikes on Nuclear, Steel Sites

Hours after Israeli airstrikes targeted two major Iranian steel plants, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a stern warning on Friday, saying Tehran would exact a “HEAVY price” for the attacks, which occurred amid ongoing US-led diplomatic talks.

Araghchi said on X that Israel struck two steel factories, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites, claiming coordination with the US. “Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes,” he wrote.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed airstrikes on the Arak heavy water plant and the uranium extraction facility in Yazd under Operation “Rising Lion,” targeting materials critical for nuclear weapons production.

Iranian media reported strikes on steel plants in Isfahan and Khuzestan, killing one worker and injuring over 30 others. Other targets included a mine in Firouz Abad, a cement factory in Kheirabad, and a warehouse at Mashhad airport.

Officials said these attacks mark a shift toward civilian infrastructure, with serious economic consequences. Residents in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Tabriz reported heavy explosions. Araghchi condemned the strikes as undermining US diplomatic efforts and reiterated that Iran would respond strongly.