Israel says it has carried out a major strike on Iran’s South Pars petrochemical plant, one of the country’s most critical energy facilities, as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attack, calling the site a “central target” responsible for nearly half of Iran’s petrochemical production. The strike comes amid an ongoing conflict that began with joint U.S.-Israel operations in late February.
Iran reported significant casualties following a wave of attacks, with more than 25 people killed. Among them was Maj.-Gen. Majid Khademi, head of intelligence for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, according to Iranian state media. Israel also claimed it killed Asghar Bakeri, a senior commander linked to operations across the region.
In response, Iran launched missile strikes targeting Israeli cities and Gulf Arab states. In Israel, at least four people were killed in Haifa after a missile strike hit a residential area, with emergency crews continuing rescue operations.
The conflict has also raised global concerns after strikes were reported near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that while the facility was not damaged, attacks occurred dangerously close to its perimeter.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are underway, with Egypt, Pakistan, and Turkey proposing a 45-day ceasefire to allow negotiations. However, both Iran and the United States have yet to respond.
U.S. President Donald Trump has further escalated tensions, warning of potential strikes on Iran’s infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted energy markets, driven up fuel prices, and raised fears of a wider regional war, with international leaders calling for urgent de-escalation and diplomacy.
