News|US-Israel war on IranDid Israel miscalculate Iranian military capabilities?Iranian attacks on Arad and Dimona near Israeli nuclear site raise serious questions about Israel’s defence strategy.
On Sat, Mar 20, 2026, Iranian missiles impacted the towns of Arad and Dimona, located near an Israeli nuclear research center. This action was reported as a response to an Israeli strike on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan province.
On Sat, Mar 20, 2026, Iranian missiles impacted the towns of Arad and Dimona, located near an Israeli nuclear research center. This action was reported as a response to an Israeli strike on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan province.
The incident resulted in injuries to at least 180 individuals, with significant evacuations required from the affected towns. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 4,564 injuries in Israel since its onset on February 28, according to the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Iran's missile program is recognized as the most extensive and diversified in the Middle East. The program includes ballistic and cruise missiles, developed to compensate for the lack of a modern air force. Among the systems are short- and medium-range missiles, as well as longer-range land-attack and anti-ship cruise missiles.
The short-range ballistic missiles, such as the Fateh variants including Zolfaghar and Qiam-1, have a range of 150km to 800km. Medium-range missiles include the Shahab-3 and Emad. The longest-reaching systems can extend up to 2,500km.
Recent reports indicate that Iranian missiles targeted Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military base, though the attack was deemed unsuccessful by the UK.
On Sat, Mar 20, 2026, Iranian missiles impacted the towns of Arad and Dimona, located near an Israeli nuclear research center.
Iran has employed cluster munitions, which disperse multiple bomblets, in its attacks. These munitions are not a new addition to Iran's arsenal. The use of cluster munitions during the recent conflict has been deemed a violation of international humanitarian law by Amnesty International.
Cluster munitions were prohibited under the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions, which Iran and Israel have not signed.
Despite activation, Israeli air defense systems failed to intercept some of the Iranian missiles. The challenge lies in intercepting missiles before they release their submunitions, which complicates defense efforts.
Israel is reportedly conserving interceptors, as cluster bombs may not cause significant harm if shelters are utilized.
The conflict might persist with key infrastructure being targeted by Iran, the US, and Israel. The recent strike on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility has led to retaliatory action against Israeli towns near nuclear sites.
There have also been strategic impacts, with Iran affecting the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global shipping and oil transport. The US has demanded the reopening of the strait, with President Donald Trump threatening military action against Iranian infrastructure if the blockade persists.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
