Iran strikes Dimona and Arad: 100+ injured and homes damaged
In‑person learning has been temporarily suspended in the country (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
On the evening of Saturday, March 21, Iran attacked with ballistic missiles. The southern cities of Dimona and Arad were hit, resulting in damage to many residential buildings, and the number of casualties is steadily rising, according to The Times of Israel.
The first target was the city of Dimona. An Iranian missile struck the southern part of the city, causing a building to collapse.
Judging by the circumstances, the strike targeted a residential building, although Iran claimed it was aiming for an Israeli nuclear research center.
According to the latest reports, medics are assisting approximately 30 people injured in the attack.
Shortly after Dimona, the Iranians struck Arad with ballistic missiles. A direct hit was recorded in a residential neighborhood, severely damaging many buildings. Local social media channels claim that as many as nine multi‑story buildings were destroyed, though no exact figures have been confirmed in the media yet. Reports mention only a few buildings that sustained significant damage. It is said that the missile hit between buildings.
According to The Times of Israel, there are now 71 injured in Arad. They are being transported to hospitals by dozens of ambulances, helicopters, and even the Israeli Air Force. In addition, people remain trapped under the rubble.
What else is known about the attack
The Israeli Air Force is currently investigating why it failed to intercept the missiles that struck the cities of Dimona and Arad. In the latter case, the missile was apparently equipped with a conventional warhead containing hundreds of kilograms of explosives.
Iran explained its attack on the nuclear research center as a response to a previous strike on the uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, though Israel stated it had nothing to do with that attack.
Following the strikes, Israel's Ministry of Education announced that all in‑person classes in Israeli schools would be canceled on Sunday and Monday. Instruction will be conducted remotely on those days.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to strike the enemies on all fronts.
Drone footage courtesy of United Hatzalah shows the scene of the Iranian ballistic missile impact in Arad.
— Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) March 21, 2026
The missile struck between several apartment buildings, wounding dozens of people and causing extensive damage. pic.twitter.com/rIKL2tpZPC
Peace in the Middle East may be drawing closer
On Friday, US President Donald Trump stated that he is considering the possibility of winding down the war against Iran.
Meanwhile, Axios reported that Trump's advisers have already begun preparing for what peace talks with Iran might look like.
Currently, Washington is trying to determine with whom it can negotiate — who would actually be able to make agreements at such meetings.
