US-Israel Conflict Escalates with Iran

Iran's two largest steel plants have been shut down due to multiple rounds of US-Israeli air strikes, according to the companies operating them. The strikes, which were first launched by Israel in co-ordination with the US last Friday, have caused significant damage to Iran's economy and infrastructure. The steel plants, operated by Khuzestan Steel Company and Mobarakeh Steel Company, are crucial to Iran's domestic construction and manufacturing, as well as its export industry. The shutdown is expected to take at least six months to a year to restart, causing major implications for supply chains and businesses across the country. The strikes have also targeted other infrastructure, including power plants, civilian nuclear sites, and health-linked facilities, sparking concern among Iranians and raising questions about the scope of the offensive.

The Trump administration is facing criticism for its handling of two gay Iranian asylum seekers, Ali and Adel, who are being held in detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The men, who fled Iran due to fear of execution for their sexuality, have been detained in poor conditions and faced mistreatment by guards. Despite their asylum applications being rejected, they are appealing the decisions, and their lawyers are concerned that they could be deported to Iran, which is currently in a state of war with the U.S. and Israel. The administration has not provided clarity on whether there has been a pause in deportations to Iran amid the conflict.

The UN has reported that Iran is using executions to suppress political dissidents, with 657 executions in the first three months of 2026, amid a backdrop of anti-regime demonstrations and a war with the US and Israel. Critics say the regime is desperate to eliminate opposition, and the international community is calling for action to stop the executions.