More than 100 people have been injured after Iranian missile strikes hit two towns near Israel’s main nuclear research facility in the country’s south, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.
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Missiles struck the communities of Dimona and Arad in the Negev desert, an area that hosts Israel’s primary nuclear research centre. It is the first time the site’s surrounding areas have been targeted since the war began three weeks ago.
Strikes hit towns near nuclear facility
Israel’s military said it failed to intercept the incoming missiles, which caused widespread damage. Emergency services reported at least 64 people were injured in Arad alone, including several in serious condition. Dozens more sustained moderate to minor injuries.
In a separate strike on Dimona hours earlier, at least 40 people were hurt, bringing the total number of casualties to more than 100.
Rescue teams continued to search through debris following the attacks, which left multiple residential buildings damaged. Officials said at least 10 apartment blocks were affected in Arad, with several at risk of collapse.
Retaliation amid wider conflict
The strikes came shortly after an air attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility, though Israel denied involvement. Iranian authorities said there was no radiation leak, and the International Atomic Energy Agency also reported no increase in radiation levels.
The exchange highlights the intensifying nature of the conflict, with both sides targeting sensitive infrastructure. Israel is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, although it has never officially confirmed this.
Leaders vow to continue fighting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the situation as “a very difficult evening” and said military operations would continue.
“We are determined to continue to strike our enemies on all fronts,” he said, after speaking with local officials in the affected areas.
An Israeli military spokesperson accused Iran of carrying out “reckless attacks” targeting civilian areas, while Iranian officials suggested the strikes demonstrated a shift in the balance of the conflict.
The latest developments come as the war shows no sign of easing, with both sides continuing to exchange attacks across the region.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 22 March 2026
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