Quick Read
- Iran launched its most destructive attack on Israel, striking towns near its nuclear research center.
- Over 100 people were injured in the retaliatory missile strikes on Arad and Dimona.
- US President Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction of its energy infrastructure.
TEL AVIV (Azat TV) – Iran launched its most destructive attack to date on Israel on Saturday, striking two towns near the country’s primary nuclear research facility and injuring over 100 people. The retaliatory strikes followed an earlier incident involving Iran’s Natanz nuclear complex, significantly escalating regional tensions. US President Donald Trump responded by issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure.
Iranian Missile Strikes Near Dimona Nuclear Facility
Missile impacts were reported in the southern Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona, home to facilities widely believed to be part of Israel’s nuclear program, though the country maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear weapons. In Arad, at least 64 people were injured, with seven hospitalized in serious condition, according to Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency rescue agency. Hours earlier, a separate strike on Dimona wounded at least 40 people. Firefighters reported that interceptors failed to hit the incoming ballistic missiles, which carried warheads weighing hundreds of kilograms, resulting in direct hits and extensive damage to buildings.
Israel Vows Retaliation Amid Escalating Conflict
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to retaliate against Iran, stating, “We are determined to continue to strike our enemies on all fronts.” The Israeli military confirmed that interception attempts were made following the detection of the missiles but did not provide further immediate details. The strikes, which penetrated Israel’s missile defense systems, caused significant structural damage to residential buildings, with footage showing large craters and rubble.
Nuclear Watchdog Urges Restraint
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated it had received no indication of damage to the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center at Dimona itself and that no abnormal radiation levels had been detected. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi urged “maximum military restraint, in particular in the vicinity of nuclear facilities,” to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident. Iran claimed the targeting of Dimona was retaliation for Israeli strikes on its Natanz nuclear facility earlier on Saturday, though an unnamed Israeli official quoted by the Associated Press denied Israel’s involvement in the Natanz incident. The Israeli military also stated it was unaware of a strike on Natanz.
Trump’s Ultimatum on Strait of Hormuz
Amid the escalating conflict, President Trump issued a stern warning on his social media platform, Truth Social. He announced that the U.S. would “hit and obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran did not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping within 48 hours. This ultimatum comes as thousands more American Marines are being deployed to the Middle East, and the key oil passage remains effectively closed due to the ongoing hostilities. Iran’s army responded by stating it would target U.S. and regional energy infrastructure if attacked.
The direct targeting of towns near Israel’s nuclear research center, coupled with President Trump’s ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz, signifies a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising global concerns about regional stability and the potential for wider military engagement.