Iran-Israel Conflict: Live Updates on Strikes, Retaliation & Global Response
At least 75 people have been wounded, 10 seriously, after an Iranian ballistic missile struck a building in the southern Israeli city of Arad, according to updated reports from emergency services. The attack, part of a wider barrage of missiles launched by Iran on Saturday, has displaced hundreds of people in Arad and Dimona, with a five-year-old girl among those critically injured.
The Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that all those wounded in Arad have been evacuated to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba for treatment, and that as of Sunday morning, no one remains trapped under rubble, though search efforts continue. Earlier reports indicated 64 injuries in Arad, with seven in serious condition, but the number has since risen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue striking Iran “on all fronts” following the attacks, calling Saturday evening “a particularly difficult night in the battle for our future.”
The attacks on Israel followed reported Iranian strikes targeting the joint US-UK Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean, according to the Wall Street Journal. Iran’s state news agency, Tasnim, stated the attack on Dimona sent a “clear message: No area is safe from Iranian missiles.”
The United Arab Emirates reported intercepting missiles following a warning from Iran, with its defense ministry attributing sounds heard in the country to the interception of incoming projectiles. Iran had previously threatened Ras el-Khaimah, in the north of the UAE, with “strong strikes.”
In response to the attacks, Saudi Arabia has ordered the departure of an Iranian diplomat and three staff members, accusing Iran of “repeated attacks” and declaring them persona non grata, giving them 48 hours to leave the country.
The attacks arrive after Israel was accused of striking Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility and a site in Isfahan earlier this month. The Iranian government has stated its actions were in retaliation for those attacks.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched 22 metric tons of life-saving medicines and trauma supplies to Beirut, Lebanon, via a land convoy from Dubai, citing disruptions to logistics in the region. The supplies are intended to support the treatment of 50,000 patients, including 40,000 surgical interventions.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called for “maximum military restraint” following the strike near Dimona, which houses a nuclear research center. The IAEA reported no indication of damage to the center and stated no abnormal radiation levels have been detected.
The United States has authorized the sale and delivery of Iranian oil and petroleum products that were already on ships as of March 20th, extending the authorization through April 19th, in an effort to stabilize energy prices. However, Iran has stated it does not have surplus crude oil at sea.
Attacks were also reported in Iraq, with a drone strike targeting intelligence services in Baghdad resulting in one fatality and injuries. Explosions were also heard in Kuwait, attributed to the interception of hostile drones and missiles.
Donald Trump, speaking after departing the White House, stated he did not want a ceasefire and claimed the U.S. Had “obliterated” Iran’s military capabilities. He also indicated a potential reduction in U.S. Military engagement in the Middle East.