An Iranian official told The New York Times last night that yesterday's Israeli strike on two steel plants constitutes a severe blow to the country's economy and will complicate its recovery after the war. The official, who is not identified in the article, claimed the plants produced materials needed for construction and paving roads. According to reports in Iran, the targets of the strike were the Mobarakeh plant in the city of Isfahan and the Khuzestan plant in the city of Ahvaz—not far from the border with Iraq. Israel claims they are part of Iran's military industry chain and are partially owned by the Revolutionary Guards. The two companies operating them are under American sanctions.

