IranMAR 21 (DAY 23) — Iranian Missiles Strike Dimona and Arad as Iran Fires Toward Diego Garcia and Trump Threatens Power Plants
On March 21, 2026 (Day 23 of Operation Epic Fury), the conflict reached a new threshold of strategic escalation. Iranian ballistic missiles struck the southern Israeli cities of Dimona and Arad, with Israeli air defenses unable to intercept the incoming rounds. The strikes injured more than 100 people across both cities and marked the first time in the conflict that an Iranian missile directly impacted a city adjacent to Israel's nuclear research facility - the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre lies approximately 13 kilometres southeast of Dimona. The IAEA confirmed no damage to the nuclear facility itself. Separately, the United Kingdom confirmed that Iran had fired two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia, the joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean approximately 4,000 kilometres from Iran. Neither missile struck the base - one malfunctioned mid-flight, the other was intercepted by a US warship's SM-3 interceptor. Iran denied responsibility. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance could not confirm Israeli claims about the missile type. IDF Chief of Staff Zamir described the campaign as at its "halfway stage." Israel launched large-scale strikes on Tehran.
IAF Launches Large-Scale Strikes on Tehran Weapons Production Facilities
The Israeli Air Force conducted a large-scale strike package against Tehran, with 60 IAF fighter jets dropping more than 150 bombs on Iranian weapons production facilities. Targets included sites near Tehran and in central Iran. In a wave of strikes in Isfahan overnight, the IDF bombed several weapon manufacturing sites, including one belonging to the IRGC Quds Force and a facility used to manufacture air defense systems. In the Parchin area east of Tehran, the IDF bombed what it described as "Iran's most central facility for the production of missiles and defense systems." US B-2 bombers were also involved in overnight operations.
Tehran, Iran
0
var(--red)
239, 68, 68
Two Ballistic Missiles Fired Toward Diego Garcia; Both Fail to Strike Base
The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials, reported that two ballistic missiles were fired toward Diego Garcia - the joint US-UK military base in the Indian Ocean approximately 4,000 kilometres from Iran. UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed to Parliament that two missiles were launched in the direction of the base: one malfunctioned mid-flight, the other was brought down short of its target by a US warship SM-3 interceptor. Neither got close to Diego Garcia. Iran's Foreign Ministry denied responsibility, calling the allegations "disinformation." NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance could not confirm Israel's claim that the missiles were Iranian intercontinental ballistic missiles. The incident indicated Iran may have exceeded its self-imposed 2,000-kilometre range limit.
Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean
0
var(--red)
239, 68, 68
Iranian Ballistic Missiles Strike Dimona and Arad; Over 100 Injured
Iranian ballistic missiles penetrated Israeli air defenses and struck the southern cities of Dimona and Arad. The Israeli military confirmed its defenses were unable to intercept the incoming rounds. Israel's rescue services reported four people seriously injured, including a 4-year-old girl, and 29 lightly injured in Arad. Combined casualty figures across both cities exceeded 100 injured. The strikes marked the first time in the conflict that an Iranian missile directly impacted a city adjacent to the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Centre, located approximately 13 kilometres southeast of Dimona. The IAEA stated it was aware of the impact reports and confirmed no indication of damage to the nuclear research centre. Israeli PM Netanyahu described it as "a very difficult evening in the battle for our future."
Dimona and Arad, Israel
104
var(--red)
239, 68, 68
IDF Chief Zamir Says Campaign at Halfway Stage; Approves Overnight Strikes
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held an assessment with senior officers following the Iranian missile impacts in Dimona and Arad and approved upcoming strikes "across all fronts." Zamir issued a video statement saying that the Diego Garcia missiles "were not intended to hit Israel" and that their range extended to European capitals. He described the overall Iran campaign as at its "halfway stage." CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper separately stated that US forces had dropped multiple 5,000-pound bombs on an underground facility along Iran's coast used to store anti-ship missiles.
Washington D.C., USA
0
var(--muted)
100, 116, 139
IRGC Says It Targeted Israeli Military and Security Sites in Southern Israel
The IRGC stated that it had targeted Israeli military installations and security centres in the cities of Arad, Dimona, Eilat, Beersheba, and Kiryat Gat in its most recent missile salvo. Tehran claimed more than 200 people were killed in the strikes; Israel reported no deaths from the attacks - only injuries. The Iranian military announced it had intercepted a US-Israeli armed drone over Tehran before it could conduct combat operations. Israel denied losing any aircraft.
Iran
0
var(--muted)
100, 116, 139
UAE Engages 341st Ballistic Missile and Ongoing Drone Attacks
UAE Ministry of Defense reported that air defense systems engaged three ballistic missiles and eight UAVs on this date, bringing the cumulative total since the conflict began to 341 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,748 UAVs engaged. UAE, Bahrain, UK, France, and Germany issued a joint statement condemning Iran's attacks on commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, accusing Iran of the "de facto closure" of the Strait of Hormuz.
Gulf States
0
var(--red)
239, 68, 68
Israel Launches New Wave of Strikes on Eastern Tehran
Israel launched a new wave of airstrikes on Tehran following the day's Iranian missile attacks on Dimona and Arad. Explosions were reported in the east of the city. IDF confirmed the strikes targeted Iranian military assets. The Home Front Command tightened restrictions across southern Israel, banning gatherings of more than 50 people in the Negev, Lachish and Dead Sea regions. The Education Ministry announced no classes nationwide the following Monday.
Tehran, Iran
0
var(--red)
239, 68, 68
Trump Extends Power Plant Threat; Claims US "Weeks Ahead of Schedule"
US President Donald Trump reiterated the threat to attack Iranian power plants and claimed the US was "weeks ahead of schedule" in its war on Iran. Trump stated Iran's "leadership is gone, their navy and air force are dead, they have absolutely no defense." He claimed Iran wanted to make a deal. Iranian leaders denied negotiating with Washington, with Foreign Minister Araghchi saying Iran was seeking "not a cease-fire, but a complete, comprehensive and lasting end to the war."
Washington D.C., USA
0
var(--muted)
100, 116, 139