Israel, Iran trade strikes on industrial and civilian sites as war enters fifth week

By
Muhammad Luqman
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Iran and Israel intensified their exchange of attacks on industrial sites and civilian areas as the conflict—also involving the United States—entered its fifth week, raising fears of a wider regional war.

In a significant development, Iranian missiles struck or caused damage near an industrial zone in Beersheba, triggering a fire at a facility in the area and raising concerns over hazardous materials. The strike appeared to be in retaliation for Israel’s expanded attacks on Iranian infrastructure.

Footage cited by the BBC showed thick plumes of smoke rising near the Neot Hovav industrial complex, highlighting the scale of the incident. Israel’s National Fire and Rescue Service classified the blaze as a “hazardous materials incident,” while the military said the damage was likely caused by missile fragments or interceptor debris.

The industrial hub—formerly known as Ramat Hovav—houses major chemical facilities, including plants operated by Makhteshim Agan, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, and Israel Chemicals. Reuters reported that ADAMA confirmed its Makhteshim plant was affected, either directly or by debris from an intercepted projectile.

 

Earlier, Iranian media published a list of industrial facilities in Israel and several Gulf countries that could be targeted in response to Israeli strikes on Iran’s steel and power infrastructure. Tehran has also warned of potential action against U.S.-linked institutions in the region following reported Israeli attacks on sites in Tehran.

Israeli strikes have continued across Iran in recent days, with explosions reported in multiple areas of Tehran. Iranian media said casualties were reported in residential neighborhoods, though the full extent could not be independently verified. Additional strikes were reported in districts including Saadat Abad and surrounding areas, with civilians among those affected.

Civilian infrastructure has also been impacted. Local reports indicated damage to facilities in southwestern Iran, though details remained limited.

 

 

Reports of preparation for U.S. ground operations

The diplomatic push comes as reports suggest the United States is preparing contingency plans for possible ground operations in the region, following an increased military buildup that includes the deployment of additional troops and assets.

While there has been no official confirmation of imminent action, the developments have heightened concerns about deeper U.S. involvement in the conflict.

 

U.S. President Donald Trump announced military operations against Iran on February 28, vowing that Tehran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. His administration has since maintained pressure on Iran while signaling openness to negotiations through indirect channels.

 

 

Pakistan-led diplomatic push

Amid the escalating conflict, Pakistan has stepped up efforts to promote de-escalation, hosting foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Egypt for high-level talks in Islamabad.

 

 

Officials said the discussions are aimed at advancing diplomatic channels, including indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran, and preventing the crisis from widening further.

Islamabad has positioned itself as a pivotal mediator, relaying messages between the two sides and calling for dialogue to avert a broader regional war.

 

 

Regional spillover and Strait of Hormuz

The conflict has raised fears of a broader regional spillover. Reports indicate that Iranian retaliatory actions have extended to U.S.-linked or allied interests in Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, though details remain limited and, in some cases, unverified.

The expansion of targets beyond Israel underscores the growing risk of a wider regional confrontation.

 

The Strait of Hormuz remains partially restricted, raising concerns over global energy flows. The waterway accounts for roughly 20 percent of global oil shipments, and any disruption has immediate implications for energy markets and prices.

On Saturday, Iran agreed to allow 20 Pakistan-flagged oil vessels to transit through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, signaling a selective easing amid broader tensions.

Oil prices have soared to above $100 per barrel as a result of shipping disruptions and attacks on oil and gas facilities.

 

 

Expanding fronts in Lebanon and Yemen

Israel has also continued operations beyond Iran, with strikes reported in Lebanon targeting positions linked to armed groups along its northern border.

At the same time, the Houthi movement in Yemen has entered the conflict, launching attacks that further complicate the regional security landscape and threaten key shipping routes.

 

A protracted conflict

Analysts say that more than a month into the conflict, both sides are demonstrating the capacity to sustain prolonged operations, increasing the risk of further escalation.

At the same time, Iranian lawmakers have raised the possibility of revisiting the country’s commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, citing continued attacks on nuclear and industrial sites.

Since late February, sustained U.S.-Israeli airstrikes have caused significant damage inside Iran, while Iranian retaliatory drone and missile attacks have targeted Israel and U.S.-linked assets across the region, including in Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states—disrupting infrastructure, aviation, and global markets.

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Muhammad Luqman is Associate Editor at Views News Now. He writes on wide-ranging issues including economy, South Asia, the Middle East, agriculture, economy and innovation. Luqman has worked some of the leading news organizations and won acclaim for his original and research-based works.

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