Iran Threatens Strike on Israel’s Dimona Nuclear Facility Amid Escalating Conflict
Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached a critical point, with Iran signaling a potential attack on Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility. This threat comes as a direct response to ongoing joint military operations by the United States and Israel targeting Iran, and amid discussions of potential regime change within the Islamic Republic.
Escalating Tensions and Iranian Warnings
According to Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency, Iranian military officials have stated that the Dimona nuclear site will be targeted should Israel and the United States continue to pursue regime change in Iran. This warning follows five days of intense aerial campaigns led by the US and Israel, aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and dismantling its long-range ballistic missile program. Israel has also actively encouraged internal dissent aimed at overthrowing the current Iranian government, with the US indicating a willingness to support such a transition.
The Dimona Nuclear Research Center
The Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, located near Dimona, is widely believed to be central to Israel’s unconfirmed nuclear weapons program. Israel maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its nuclear capabilities, neither confirming nor denying their existence. The facility is heavily protected, utilizing what are believed to be Israel’s comprehensive air defense systems.
Recent Attacks and Regional Impact
In response to the US-Israel campaign, Iran has launched missile attacks targeting regional countries hosting US bases, as well as Israel itself. These attacks have resulted in 10 fatalities in Israel. Overnight missile attacks on Wednesday, March 5, 2026, prompted millions of Israelis to seek shelter, though no injuries were reported.
International Response and Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported that nuclear facilities in Iran have not sustained damage during the recent fighting and pose no immediate radiation risk. Meanwhile, the United States is actively developing plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas supplies, amid the ongoing conflict. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Operation Epic Fury aims to prevent Iran from disrupting the flow of energy through the Strait, which handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply.
US Military Posture and Future Plans
The US anticipates achieving “complete and total dominance” over Iranian airspace in the coming hours, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Leavitt also reported that the US has destroyed over 20 Iranian ships. The US has denied reports of plans to arm Kurdish fighters against Iran, clarifying that recent discussions with Kurdish leaders focused on the American military base in northern Iraq.
US President Donald Trump is currently evaluating potential roles for the US in Iran following the conclusion of the military campaign, with intelligence agencies monitoring reports regarding potential successors to Iran’s Supreme Leader. Specifically, Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has emerged as a potential frontrunner.
Domestic Support and International Cooperation
Despite defending the US goals in the joint operation, Leavitt acknowledged criticism regarding the lack of publicly available evidence supporting the claim of an imminent threat posed by Iran to the United States. She asserted that President Trump believes the American public supports the war effort. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that only one in four Americans approve of US strikes on Iran, with half expressing concerns that Trump is too willing to resort to military force.
Spain has agreed to cooperate with the US military following criticism from Trump regarding its refusal to allow the use of its bases for attacks on Iran. However, Spanish officials have maintained their position, stating that their bases will not be used in support of the operation.