Iran Strikes Near Israeli Nuclear Site As Trump Threatens Attacks On Iranian Power Plants

CAIRO, Mar 22: Iranian missiles struck southern Israel late Saturday, hitting areas near the country’s main nuclear research center, injuring dozens and causing widespread damage, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face attacks on its power plants.

The strikes on Dimona and Arad mark a significant escalation in the conflict’s fourth week, with Israel confirming its air defenses failed to intercept the incoming missiles in the sensitive region.

At least 64 people were hospitalised after a direct hit in Arad damaged multiple apartment buildings, some at risk of collapse. Emergency teams were rushed to affected areas, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it “a very difficult evening.”

The Iranian attack followed a strike earlier in the day on Tehran’s key nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz. Iran retaliated hours later, also targeting the joint U.K.-U.S. Diego Garcia military base in the Indian Ocean, though the attack was unsuccessful.

Trump, under pressure amid surging oil prices, issued a warning on social media from Florida, saying the U.S. would “obliterate” Iranian power plants if Tehran failed to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route.

The Strait, linking the Persian Gulf to global waters, has seen near-total disruption, halting tanker movement and forcing output cuts from major oil producers.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the missile strikes signaled a “new phase” in the conflict, while Israel’s army chief Gen. Eyal Zamir warned the war was “not close to ending.”

The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported no damage or radiation leaks at Israel’s nuclear facility. Israel, widely believed to possess nuclear weapons, has neither confirmed nor denied it.

The Pentagon declined to comment on the Natanz strike, while Russia warned such attacks risk a “catastrophic disaster” in the region.

Military experts suggested Iran may have used advanced or improvised long-range missile capabilities, possibly linked to its space program, to strike distant targets.

The U.S. is reinforcing its presence in the region, deploying additional ships and Marines, while Gulf nations reported fresh threats, including drone interceptions in Saudi Arabia and missile alerts in Dubai.

The conflict has driven global fuel and food prices higher. Iran’s death toll has crossed 1,500, while at least 15 people have been killed in Israel. Additional casualties include U.S. personnel and civilians across Gulf countries. (Agencies)