US & ‘Israel’ at war with Iran | Day 23 coverage
In the past hours, Iranian ballistic missile strikes have left at least 47 people injured across twelve locations in southern 'Israel'. The city of Dimona, home to the Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, suffered multiple direct hits on residential buildings in what Tehran calls retaliation for an attack on its Natanz facility. Simultaneously, a mass casualty event was declared in Arad, where a missile impact caused a building to collapse, seriously wounding a 5-year-old girl and leaving dozens more injured as rescue teams search the rubble.
The 2026 war between ‘Israel’, the United States, and Iran started on February 28 with the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-‘Israeli’ military campaign. Nearly 900 coordinated strikes were executed within the initial 12 hours, targeting Iranian missile systems, air defenses, military infrastructure, and senior leadership figures across multiple sites.
The operation resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and numerous other high-ranking officials, with explicit objectives of preventing nuclear weapon development, dismantling ballistic missile capabilities, and advancing leadership change.
Iran initiated large-scale retaliatory missile and drone attacks against ‘Israeli’ settlements, US bases, and allied targets throughout the Middle East.
The escalation also encompassed disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces shut it down; heightening risks to global energy supplies.
Subsequent phases featured intensified ‘Israeli’ airstrikes on Iranian fuel depots and energy facilities in Tehran and surrounding provinces, complemented by US efforts to neutralize naval assets and remaining missile infrastructure.
The war produced over 2,000 reported deaths across Iran, ‘Israel’, and Lebanon.
Economic effects have included sharp increases in oil prices and interruptions to international shipping, prompting releases from strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets.
Trump claims US has “blown Iran off map” after Iranian strikes on 'Israel'
President of the United States Donald Trump made strong statements regarding military operations against Iran, claiming that the United States has successfully “blown Iran off the map” and that the country’s leadership, navy, and air force have been neutralized.
Trump said that Iran currently has no defensive systems capable of repelling attacks, leaving key sites exposed to US forces. He also dismissed reports from analysts who suggested that US objectives had not yet been achieved, claiming that operations are ahead of schedule.
Addressing ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump said that while Iran had sought a deal to salvage what remains, he is not interested in pursuing negotiations at this stage.
He framed the military attack as surpassing expectations, emphasizing that the US has achieved significant strategic dominance over Iranian forces.
Dimona evacuates 485 after Iranian missile strike
The municipality of Dimona announced the evacuation of 485 residents following the impact of an Iranian missile in the city.
Mayor of Dimona confirmed that the evacuation was carried out as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety. Emergency teams assisted residents in relocating to safer areas while authorities continue to assess the damage.
‘Israeli’ army's Chief approves strikes on all fronts after Iranian missile attacks
Following Iranian ballistic missile strikes on the southern cities of Dimona and Arad, the ‘Israeli’ army’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, approved retaliatory strikes “across all fronts,” the military said.
Netanyahu: "This is a difficult evening in the campaign for our future"
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the current situation as “a difficult evening in the campaign for our future,” following missile attacks on the southern cities of Arad and Dimona.
Ben-Gvir inspects Arad after missile strike
Itamar Ben-Gvir, 'Israel’s' National Security Minister, inspected the site of the Iranian missile strike in Arad, where dozens were injured.
Abu Obaida says proud of Iranian attacks on 'Israel'
Abu Obaida, the military spokesperson for Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, praised the missile strikes carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on ‘Israeli’ targets on Thursday evening.
"We look with great pride at the powerful missile strikes carried out by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard this evening, targeting areas deep inside the criminal enemy entity using new tactics, which left dozens of dead and wounded," he said.
He described the attacks as powerful and executed with new tactics, claiming they caused dozens of casualties. Abu Obaida said the strikes are a “natural response” not only to US and ‘Israeli’ aggression against Iran but also to what he called “massacre and genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza.
“The Zionist-Nazi enemy understands only the language of force,” he added, emphasizing that imposing heavy costs on ‘Israel’ is necessary to halt its aggression. He warned that without such measures, the country would continue targeting Arab and Islamic states individually.
‘Israel’ cancels in-person classes nationwide after missile attacks
Education Minister Yoav Kish announced that all in-person classes, including physical education and special education sessions, will be canceled Sunday and Monday across the country following recent missile attacks in Dimona and Arad.
Kish said the decision was made after consultations with the Home Front Command Major General. “In light of the attacks and following consultation, all exceptions for in-person learning are canceled,” he said. “Distance learning will continue nationwide, including in areas previously designated for physical learning. A renewed assessment will be conducted toward Tuesday, with further updates provided.”
+66 injured in direct hit in 'Israeli' Arad: Ynet
At least 66 others injured after an Iranian missile directly struck a residential building in the southern city of Arad, according to Ynet.
The report said the missile hit an older apartment block, causing severe structural damage and partial collapse.
"Israeli skies now vulnerable, time to execute old plans," says Iranian official
The Speaker of Iran’s Parliament claimed that ‘Israeli’ airspace is now vulnerable and unprotected, calling for the execution of pre-planned operations.
He added that the failure of defense systems to intercept the recent strike on the heavily fortified Dimona area marks a new phase in the ongoing war, signaling Tehran’s intent to escalate military actions against ‘Israel’.
Iranian missile hits Arad, kills several
An Iranian missile struck the southern city of Arad, causing deaths and dozens of injuries, according to 'Israeli' media reports.
Channel 14 reported that multiple fatalities and critical injuries were recorded at the impact site. At least 42 people were evacuated to hospitals following the strike, emergency services said.
The missile, reportedly weighing around 450 kilograms, hit the city directly after two interception attempts failed, the broadcaster added.
