ISFAHAN, Iran — At least 15 people were killed after a strike hit a factory in Isfahan, according to Iranian media reports, in what authorities say was a joint attack carried out by the United States and Israel.
The strike targeted an industrial facility in the central Iranian city, with reports indicating the factory produced household equipment such as heaters and refrigerators. Workers were inside the building at the time of the attack, contributing to the high casualty toll.
Emergency services rushed to the site after the blast, with witnesses reporting heavy smoke rising from the factory complex and surrounding areas. Iranian officials confirmed that at least 15 people were killed and several others injured, though the exact number of wounded has not yet been fully disclosed.
Rescue teams worked through the wreckage searching for survivors, while nearby hospitals prepared to receive victims suffering from burns, blast injuries, and trauma. Local authorities also warned that the death toll could rise as recovery operations continue.
Isfahan is one of Iran’s most important industrial and military hubs. The city hosts multiple defense-related facilities and research centers linked to Iran’s aerospace and missile programs, making it a frequent target in past covert or overt attacks amid tensions between Iran and Israel.
Analysts say the strike on the factory may have been part of a broader campaign aimed at weakening Iran’s infrastructure and military-industrial capacity during the ongoing confrontation between Tehran and its regional adversaries.
The incident comes as the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States continues to intensify across multiple fronts in the Middle East. In recent weeks, the sides have exchanged missile strikes, drone attacks, and air raids targeting military installations, infrastructure, and strategic facilities.
Iranian officials condemned the attack and vowed retaliation, warning that further strikes on Iranian territory could provoke broader responses against Israeli and U.S. interests in the region.
The strike has heightened fears that the conflict could expand further, potentially disrupting global energy markets and destabilizing an already volatile region. International leaders have called for restraint and urged all sides to avoid actions that could lead to a wider war.
As investigations into the attack continue, Isfahan remains on high alert, with authorities increasing security measures and emergency services working to assess the full extent of the damage.