Iran's two largest steel plants have been shut down due to multiple rounds of US-Israeli air strikes, the companies operating them say. Our initial estimate is that restarting these units will take at least six months and up to one year, Mehran Pakbin, deputy head of operations at the Khuzestan Steel Company in south-western Iran, was quoted as saying by Iranian media. Mobarakeh Steel Company reported that its production lines in the centre of the country had completely shut down following the high volume of attacks. The strikes, launched by Israel in coordination with the US, could cause significant damage to Iran's economy. Iran is the 10th largest producer of steel globally and any halt in production might have major implications for supply chains affected by recent Western sanctions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remarked on social media that Israel had struck key facilities, including power and civil nuclear sites, while Israeli sources indicate the economic damage could reach billions. The ongoing conflict has raised the stakes, with military action extending to various sectors, raising alarms about the long-term impacts on international relations and the stability of global markets.