The strike on a heating-and-cooling factory in Isfahan killed at least 15 people, Iranian media reported, and was attributed to US and Israeli forces by state-aligned outlets. The incident occurred amid a wider campaign that Iran says has left at least 1,444 dead and over 18,500 wounded since 28 February. Officials also reported damage to dozens of cultural sites, prompting UNESCO concern, while both sides continued missile strikes that caused further injuries.
Missile Strike on Isfahan Factory Kills at Least 15; Iran Blames US and Israeli Forces
Debris litters the UNESCO-listed Chehel Sotoon Palace in Isfahan after nearby US-Israeli strikes [File: Social Media/Reuters]
A missile strike on an industrial district in the central Iranian city of Isfahan killed at least 15 people on Saturday, Iranian state and semi-official media reported, saying workers were inside the factory at the time of the attack.
The semi-official Fars news agency attributed the strike to US and Israeli forces. Iranian officials said the hit struck a facility that manufactures heating and cooling equipment. Iran's Ministry of Health said the incident occurred on the 15th day of a broader campaign that it says has left at least 1,444 people dead and more than 18,500 wounded since 28 February.
Damage to Cultural Sites and Diplomatic Facilities
Iran's Ministry of Culture reported that 56 museums and historic sites have been damaged, naming Naqsh-e Jahan Square — a 17th-century landmark in Isfahan — and the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran among those affected. UNESCO said it was "deeply concerned," noting that four of Iran's 29 World Heritage sites had been impacted. Earlier shelling on 8 March also damaged Russia's consulate in Isfahan and injured staff; Moscow called that strike a "blatant violation" of international conventions.
Military and Strategic Targets
Separately, Iran's army confirmed that Brigadier General Abdullah Jalali-Nasab was killed in an Israeli strike, calling him "martyred while defending the country." US forces also struck Kharg Island, a key terminal that handles roughly 90% of Iran's crude exports; a regional official said operations there were continuing and no casualties were reported.
Escalation and Diplomatic Outlook
Both sides continued offensive actions. Iran launched fresh missile salvos at Israel, with AFP reporters hearing explosions over Jerusalem. The Israeli army said six waves of missiles — some reportedly carrying cluster munitions — struck wide areas of the country. In Eilat, a cluster munition impact reportedly injured three people, including a 12-year-old boy, according to The Times of Israel.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire appear to have stalled. The US administration, according to Reuters, rejected regional attempts to broker talks, while Iranian officials have said they will not negotiate while attacks continue. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the regional security framework and urged neighbours to "expel foreign aggressors," and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the conflict was entering a "decisive phase."
Note: Attribution in this report reflects statements from Iranian state media, international agencies and officials. Some claims are contested and reported by differing sources.
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