Iran launched missile strikes on the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, shattering buildings and wounding at least 180 people. The attacks occurred near Israel's main nuclear research center, marking the first time Iranian missiles have penetrated Israel's air defense systems in that area.

These strikes came in retaliation after Iran's primary nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz was hit earlier in the day. Israel denied responsibility for the Natanz strike, escalating regional tensions. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that such strikes pose a "real risk of catastrophic disaster throughout the Middle East."

The Israeli military stated it was unable to intercept the missiles that struck Dimona and Arad, highlighting vulnerabilities in the country's air defense network. Dimona is located about 20 km west of the nuclear research center, with Arad approximately 35 km to the north. The UN nuclear watchdog reported no damage to the Israeli center or abnormal radiation levels, but concerns persist due to Israel's suspected nuclear weapons arsenal, which its leaders neither confirm nor deny.

Source: www.aljazeera.com