Iran launches missile strikes near Israeli nuclear facility

Iran Launches Missile Strike on Israeli Cities, Citing Retaliation for Natanz Attack

A missile strike hit southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, causing significant damage and injuring dozens of people. The Iranian state television attributed the attack to a response to an earlier strike on its Natanz nuclear enrichment complex.

According to Israel’s emergency services, 100 people were wounded in the attacks, including a 10-year-old boy with multiple shrapnel wounds who was in critical condition. Israeli military spokesman reported that their air defense systems activated during the attacks but failed to intercept some of the missiles.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated it had received no indication of damage to the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center at Dimona and detected no abnormal radiation levels in the area. The agency is closely monitoring the situation, with Director General Rafael Grossi urging maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities.

Witness footage verified by Al Jazeera showed a missile striking Dimona, followed by a large explosion. Extensive damage was reported in both Dimona and Arad, with interceptors failing to hit some of the missiles resulting in two direct hits by ballistic missiles weighing hundreds of kilograms.

Earlier on Saturday, Israel announced it had struck a research and development facility at Malek Ashtar University in Tehran, which it claimed had been used to develop components for nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. Iran reported no radioactive leakage from the Natanz enrichment complex that morning.

Dimona has been home to Israel’s main nuclear facility since its research centre opened there in 1958. The Israeli military has vowed to continue attacking Iran.

Source: Al Jazeera