Israel strikes petrochemical complex in Iran's Shiraz, targeting explosives materials

The Israeli army said Tuesday it targeted another petrochemical complex in the southwestern Iranian city of Shiraz, describing it as a key site for producing materials used in explosives and ballistic missiles. A military statement said the strike was carried out on Monday, hitting a facility that produces nitric acid, a substance it described as "critical material" for manufacturing explosives and components used in ballistic missile production.

Degrading capabilities

The military claimed that the site was among the last remaining compounds producing such materials in Iran, following previous strikes on major petrochemical facilities, including in Mahshahr. It added that the attack was intended to "further degrade" Iran's military capabilities, particularly those linked to weapons production relying on the components produced in the facility.

Expanding target set

The strike on the Shiraz petrochemical complex expands Israel's targeting of Iranian industrial infrastructure beyond military and energy facilities to include chemical production sites linked to weapons manufacturing. The attack comes as President Trump has threatened to target bridges and power plants if Iran does not reach a deal by Tuesday evening.

Conflict context

Regional escalations have continued to rage since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.