Netanyahu claims most of Iran’s steel production destroyed as Tehran targets Gulf energy sites

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that recent Israeli strikes have significantly impacted Iran’s industrial capacity, claiming that roughly 70% of the country’s steel production has been destroyed. In a video message shared on social media, Netanyahu described the development as a “tremendous achievement,” emphasizing that it weakens the financial and military capabilities of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

He highlighted close coordination with Donald Trump and cooperation between the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the United States military, signaling continued joint efforts. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to ongoing operations, stating that actions would persist against Iranian-linked forces, including Hezbollah, as part of broader regional security objectives.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Gulf region have drawn attention following conflicting claims over attacks on infrastructure in Kuwait. Iran’s IRGC accused Israel of targeting a water desalination facility and a power plant, allegations that emerged after reports suggested Iran had been responsible. The IDF responded by stating it was “not aware” of such an operation.

In its official statement, the IRGC condemned the reported incidents and urged Middle Eastern nations to remain vigilant against what it described as efforts by the United States and Israel to destabilize the region. Notably, the statement did not reference a separate report involving a Kuwaiti oil refinery that was also said to have been targeted.

Earlier in the week, Iranian officials had similarly accused Israel of striking a desalination facility in Kuwait. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command, described the alleged attack as “brutal aggression” and suggested it was an attempt to shift blame onto Iran.

The accusations followed an overnight incident at a Kuwaiti power and desalination plant that reportedly resulted in the death of an Indian worker and caused structural damage. Zolfaghari called on regional governments to remain alert, framing the situation as part of broader geopolitical maneuvering.