JERUSALEM, April 6 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Monday that it has so far rendered more than 85 percent of Iran's petrochemical export capacity inoperable after striking Iran's two biggest petrochemical complexes.
The IDF confirmed that its air force, acting on intelligence, on Monday struck infrastructure at Iran's biggest petrochemical complex, located in Assaluyeh County in the southern Bushehr province.
Earlier the same day, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the air strike on the facility, which accounts for about 50 percent of Iran's petrochemical production.
The IDF statement alleged that the complex produces and exports chemical materials for Iran's armed forces. It added that the complex served as a key hub for making essential components for Iran's missile industry, and that the damage would disrupt Iran's ability to use these materials in producing weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement that the destruction of the complex means "we are systematically dismantling the IRGC's money machine."
"We are destroying factories, eliminating operatives, and continuing to eliminate senior officials," he added.
The strikes came as U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his threat to target Iran's electric power infrastructure if Tehran restricts passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported explosions at the petrochemical complexes, but Iranian media said the situation was "under control," with damage still being assessed.
The attacks follow similar Israeli strikes in March and come amid a broader escalation in the region, including Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israeli and U.S. targets. ■
