While President Trump announced a specific pause on energy infrastructure (like power plants and oil facilities), Israel has significantly expanded its target list to include industrial and nuclear sites.
Nuclear Facilities: Reports indicate that Israeli air strikes hit the Shahid Khondab Heavy Water Complex in Arak and the Ardakan yellowcake production plant in Yazd Province. The IAEA and Iranian state media have confirmed the strikes, though both report no radioactive leakage or immediate risk of contamination.
Steel Industry: Two of Iran's largest steel production facilities—Khuzestan Steel near Ahvaz and Mobarakeh Steel in Isfahan—were targeted. These plants are strategically significant as they are partially owned by the IRGC; Israeli security sources suggest the damage could "paralyze" Iran's steel industry and cost billions.
Military Logic: The IDF stated these strikes were intended to degrade Iran's ability to build and operate weapons. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the campaign will "intensify and expand" despite the ongoing diplomatic backchannels.
The Trump "10-Day Pause"
On Thursday, March 26, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he would extend a pause on strikes specifically targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET.
The Intent: Trump stated the pause was at the "Iranian Government's request" and claimed that "talks are going very well."
The Loophole: The pause is narrowly defined as a halt on "Energy Plant destruction." It does not appear to cover nuclear research facilities, steel plants, or missile production sites, which explains why Israel (and potentially U.S. forces in other capacities) have continued striking these "non-energy" targets.
The Ultimatum: This 10-day window is tied to a 15-point U.S. proposal. Trump has signaled that if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened to traffic by the April 6 deadline, he will order the "obliteration" of Iran’s power grid.
Retaliation & Current Status
In response to the Friday strikes, Iran launched several missile salvos toward Israel, with sirens sounding in Tel Aviv and near Israel's nuclear research center in Dimona. Additionally, an Iranian-linked strike on a base in Saudi Arabia reportedly wounded U.S. service members.
Note: The distinction between "energy infrastructure" (power/oil) and "industrial/nuclear infrastructure" is the key reason these strikes are occurring despite Trump's public announcement of a pause.