Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) warned Thursday that future strikes on Iranian industries will trigger “harder retaliation,” claiming responsibility for recent attacks on steel and aluminum facilities across the Gulf region linked to U.S. military interests. The statement follows U.S.-Israeli Operation Epic Fury airstrikes since February 28 that destroyed over 50 Iranian vessels, crippled nuclear sites, and targeted industrial infrastructure, killing 1,340+ including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
IRGC aerospace commander Brigadier General Seyed Majid Mousavi asserted via state media that drones and missiles struck Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) and UAE aluminum plants described as suppliers to U.S. aerospace and military sectors plus steel complexes in multiple Gulf states. The Guards framed these as “precise retaliation” for attacks on Iranian universities and factories, demanding U.S. condemnation by Monday noon GMT.
The strikes disrupted global aluminum supply chains, spiking London Metal Exchange futures nearly 6% as producers confirmed hits. IRGC threatened U.S. universities in the region and warned workers at American/Israeli-linked firms to evacuate, signaling expanded targeting beyond military assets. This follows Haifa refinery barrages contradicting Trump’s “very few launchers” claim during his Wednesday address projecting 2-3 week war end.
Tehran coordinates with proxies, Kataib Hezbollah hit U.S. Baghdad embassy areas per alerts; Houthis threatened shipping; Hezbollah supported Haifa strikes. New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei confirmed healthy; President Pezeshkian’s U.S. letter looms via aide Mehdi Tabatabai.
Gulf states accelerate $5-20 billion East-West/Fujairah pipeline bypasses; Saudi Aramco maxes 7mn b/d Yanbu capacity. Oil volatility below $100/barrel risks inflation per Bank of Canada; Geojit’s Gaurang Shah noted Indian rupee strains from 85% Gulf imports despite equity relief.
French President Macron rejected military Hormuz solutions as “unrealistic,” stressing diplomacy for nuclear file. U.S. envoy Whitaker signals backchannels; Trump’s NATO threats strain alliances as UK PM Starmer hosts coalitions. UK ex-RAF warnings highlight ballistic gaps. IRGC’s industrial focus tests U.S. withdrawal timeline, blending economic attrition with military defiance despite setbacks. Baghdad embassy evacuation orders underscore proxy reach; markets brace for supply shocks as Gulf energy hubs diversify urgently.