Iran missile strikes near Israel's main nuclear research center, injuring dozens

Iran launched retaliatory missile strikes on Saturday, March 21, 2026, targeting Israeli towns near a nuclear research center.

“Emergency responders reported building collapses and ongoing searches for victims through the night”

Agencia EFE

The attacks came hours after Iran's Natanz nuclear facility was struck earlier that day.

Agencia EFE

Iranian state media confirmed the strikes were retaliation for Israel's actions.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf declared Israel's air defenses failed in a 'highly protected' area.

The Revolutionary Guards claimed to have targeted military installations in southern Israel.

Over 100 people were injured in total across both Dimona and Arad.

In Dimona, at least 33 people were injured including a seriously wounded 10-year-old boy.

Al Jazeera

Arad suffered a direct hit from a ballistic missile, injuring at least 59 people.

Emergency services described the scene as 'very severe' with 'many wounded with varying degrees of injury.'

Firefighters reported interceptors failed to hit the threats in both locations.

The Israeli Ministry claimed Iran deliberately struck civilians with missiles.

The IAEA reported no damage to Israeli nuclear facilities or abnormal radiation levels.

“BREAKING Trump threatens attacks on Iran's power plants over Hormuz StraitIranian missile attacks on southern Israel wound dozens in Dimona, AradSaudi Arabia declares several Iranian embassy staff persona non grata Click to pause breaking news tickerpause-square-backgroundClose Breaking News Tickerclose Toggle Play Moment Iranian strike hits central Tel Aviv Watch the moment an Iranian strike hits what appears to be a bridge in central Tel Aviv, startling pedestrians nearby with the loud blast”

Al Jazeera

The agency confirmed it was investigating the earlier strike on Iran's Natanz facility.

Iranian authorities denied any leakage at the Natanz facility.

This marked the first time Israel's nuclear research center was targeted in the war.

Israel maintains a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' regarding its nuclear arsenal.

IAEA Director Grossi emphasized maximum military restraint near nuclear facilities.

Russia warned of 'real risk of catastrophic disaster throughout the Middle East.'

The strikes marked dangerous escalation as the conflict entered its fourth week.

Iran allegedly targeted Diego Garcia base with 4,000-kilometer-range ballistic missiles.

Al-Manar TV Lebanon

Israeli military chief confirmed this was the 'first time' Iran used long-range missiles.

A UK official source confirmed the Diego Garcia attack was 'unsuccessful.'

Saudi Arabia declared Iranian military attaché persona non grata.

Trump threatened to 'obliterate' Iran's power plants over Hormuz Strait.

Germany and 20+ allies condemned Iran's attacks on commercial vessels.

Israeli air defense systems failed to intercept the Iranian missiles.

“Trump threatens Iran with power plant strikes over Hormuz blockade By Maayan Lubell, Alexander Cornwell and Idrees Ali TEL AVIV/JERUSALEM/WASHINGTON, March 22 (Reuters) - U”

Al-Monitor

Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin acknowledged the interceptors failed to hit the threats.

Al-Monitor

Experts suggested Iran may have used drone 'swarms' to exhaust air defenses.

Iran has increasingly used cluster munitions on ballistic missiles.

Dr. Uzi Rubin explained cluster munitions must be intercepted before payload opens.

The failure suggests Israel's air defenses may be more vulnerable than believed.