Iran Strikes Israel, Threatens Strait of Hormuz as Conflict Escalates
After warning of retaliatory attacks, Iran launched missiles at two southern Israeli cities on Saturday night, injuring nearly 200 people, some severely. Simultaneously, tensions rose over the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump threatening military action if Iran doesn’t reopen the crucial waterway.
Iranian Missile Strikes Target Areas Near Nuclear Facility
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported approximately 180 people were injured in the attacks on Dimona and Arad, cities located near Israel’s main nuclear research center. Iranian state media claimed the strikes targeted Israel’s nuclear research facility, located approximately 10 kilometers (six miles) outside of Dimona and 30 kilometers (18.5 miles) outside of Arad, in retaliation for an alleged attack on Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility earlier in the day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it “a incredibly difficult evening” for the country, according to a post on X. At least 116 people were injured in Arad, and 64 in Dimona, according to Israeli authorities. A 12-year-old boy in Dimona and a 5-year-old girl in Arad were among those seriously injured.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated it had not received any indication of damage to the Negev Nuclear Research Center in Dimona, but stressed the need for “maximum military restraint” in the vicinity of nuclear facilities. PBS NewsHour reported.
Trump Threatens Iran Over Strait of Hormuz
President Trump issued a warning on Truth Social, stating that if Iran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the U.S. Will “hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!” The Times of Israel reported. Roughly a fifth of the world’s oil transited through the strait last year, and Iranian actions have effectively halted traffic.
Iran has stated the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all except “Iran’s enemies.”
Regional Fallout and Continued Strikes
Saudi Arabia intercepted one of three Iranian missiles fired towards it, and the United Arab Emirates reported responding to Iranian drones and missiles. Turkey’s foreign minister warned that Gulf countries may be forced to retaliate against Iran. Saudi Arabia has expelled Iranian diplomats.
The IDF continued to strike targets in Iran overnight, where authorities report over 1,300 civilians have been killed since the start of the conflict. Iran is experiencing a fourth week of internet blackouts, limiting access to information for civilians.
U.S. Central Command reported having struck over 8,000 military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels, in what it called “the largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II.”
G7 Calls for Safe Passage
The G7 countries released a statement condemning Iran’s attacks and reaffirming the importance of safeguarding maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. Japan indicated it could send demining experts to the Strait of Hormuz if a ceasefire is reached.