Israel has carried out a strike on a major Iranian petrochemical facility in the southern city of Asaluyeh, marking a further escalation in the ongoing conflict. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the targeted site is among the country’s largest and accounts for roughly half of Iran’s petrochemical production. He stated that the military had been ordered to continue attacks on Iranian infrastructure “with full force.”

The strike follows an earlier attack on another facility, and Israeli officials claim that together the two sites represent around 85% of Iran’s petrochemical exports. According to Katz, both are now out of operation, dealing what he described as a significant economic blow worth tens of billions of dollars. He argued that the petrochemical sector plays a central role in financing Iran’s military capabilities, including the activities of the Revolutionary Guards.

Iranian media reported multiple explosions in the area, with the Fars news agency citing blasts at the South Pars petrochemical complex. The semi-official Tasnim agency later indicated that at least two petrochemical companies had been hit. Local authorities said the scale of the damage is still being assessed, but confirmed that several production units were affected. No casualties have been reported so far.

The latest developments come amid heightened tensions following earlier Israeli strikes on energy infrastructure, including the South Pars gas field in March, which triggered international criticism. Iran responded at the time with attacks on energy targets in the Gulf and by restricting traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to rising global energy prices.

The new strike also follows strong warnings from US President Donald Trump, who threatened broader attacks on Iranian infrastructure if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is not restored. In a statement, he suggested that further actions could target key facilities such as power plants and bridges.

At the same time, discussions around a potential ceasefire remain uncertain. While reports have emerged about mediation efforts and possible proposals for an immediate halt to hostilities, a White House official said these remain only preliminary ideas and have not received approval. According to the same source, ongoing military operations continue, with further statements from the US president expected.