Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched ballistic missiles at petrochemical facilities in Haifa, Israel on June 8, according to Iranian state media. Bitcoin promptly fell below $63,000 as investors across every asset class scrambled for the exits.
The strike marks the first direct Iranian missile offensive against Israel since a ceasefire was established in April 2026.
What happened and why it matters
The IRGC targeted industrial facilities in Haifa, zeroing in on a petrochemical complex that reportedly handles approximately 197,000 barrels per day, making it Israel’s largest refining operation. The attack was framed by Tehran as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s Karun petrochemical complex in Mahshahr, located in the strategically vital Khuzestan province.
Israeli Defense Forces had struck the Karun site earlier in the day, alleging ties to ballistic missile production. Iranian sources reported partial damage to the facility.