Iran has threatened “heavy” retaliation following continued US-Israeli attacks on its nuclear and industrial sites, underscoring growing tensions as Washington maintains that diplomatic efforts are still in progress.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on March 27 sharply condemned the strikes, warning of a significant response:
“Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the US. These attacks contradict POTUS’ extended deadline for diplomacy. Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes.”
Araghchi’s statement underscores how Israeli attacks were being carried out with the full backing of the US, despite public claims by Donald Trump that Washington is pursuing diplomacy and had delayed further strikes on Iran’s energy sector.
Israel has hit 2 of Iran’s largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S.
Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy.
Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 27, 2026
Iranian officials have rejected what they describe as contradictory US messaging, calling for negotiations while continuing military operations. A senior official described the situation as “intolerable,” saying Tehran is reconsidering whether to respond to US diplomatic proposals under continued attacks.
The latest strikes come amid an already mounting human toll. Iranian authorities say nearly 2,000 people have been killed in US-Israeli attacks since the conflict escalated, while the war has also spread to other parts of the region.
In Lebanon, Israeli operations have intensified, with more than 1,100 people reported killed since early March. Displacement orders have been issued in areas south of the Zahrani River, signaling a widening front in the conflict.
Despite the escalation, Iran has indicated limited cooperation on humanitarian issues. Reza Najafi, Iran’s representative to the United Nations in Vienna, said Tehran would facilitate the passage of humanitarian shipments through the Strait of Hormuz following a UN request.
The targeting of nuclear infrastructure marks a major turning point in the conflict, raising fears of broader regional destabilization and long-term consequences.
Even as strikes continue, the US has maintained that diplomatic channels remain open. US special envoy Steve Witkoff said the United States is hopeful that meetings with Iran could take place this week and that it is awaiting Tehran’s response to a proposed 15-point plan aimed at ending the war.
