ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Middle East’s largest steel producer in Iran has halted operations after sustaining heavy damage in US-Israeli airstrikes over the past few days, dealing a major blow to the country’s industrial sector.
Mobarakeh Steel Company, based in Isfahan, announced on Thursday a complete shutdown of its production lines after sustaining damage.
The US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran in late February, initially striking thousands of military targets and, in recent days, extending attacks to the country’s energy facilities and, on Thursday, a major highway bridge connecting Tehran to Karaj.
"Based on assessments conducted thus far regarding the heavy volume of attacks, reports indicate sustained damages and major destruction to units related to the production process, which has led to a complete shutdown of the production lines," the company said in a statement.
The company added that safety concerns have forced it to suspend all activity.
"Under these circumstances, continuing operations is not possible," the statement read, urging employees not to report to work "until further notice."
Separately, Khouzestan Steel Company (KSC), located in Ahvaz, was also struck. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the attack targeted key production facilities, forcing another major halt in output.