Israel army says Iranian missile struck town housing nuclear facility

This live blog follows updates for Day 22 of the US-Israeli war on Iran. For a recap of Day 21, go here.

• Israel army says Iranian missile struck town housing nuclear facility
• UAE says faced drone, missile barrages after Iran warning
• Iran 'unsuccessfully' targeted Diego Garcia base, UK official source to AFP
• Drone attack against Iraqi intelligence services kills one in Baghdad
• UN nuclear watchdog calls for 'military restraint' after Iran reports attack on Natanz nuclear site

Israel army says Iranian missile struck town housing nuclear facility

Published March 21, 2026 | 18:30 GMT

Israel's military said an Iranian missile on Saturday struck the southern town of Dimona, home to a nuclear facility, after medics reported some 20 people injured by shrapnel.

The army told AFP there was a "direct missile hit on a building" in the town in the Negev desert.

UAE says faced drone, missile barrages after Iran warning

Published March 21, 2026 | 18:30 GMT

The United Arab Emirates said on Saturday it faced aerial attacks from Iran after the Islamic republic warned its neighbor against allowing attacks from its territory on disputed islands near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"UAE air defences are currently responding to incoming missile and drone threats from Iran," the defence ministry said in a statement explaining "the sounds heard are the result of the Air Defence Systems intercepting missiles and drones".

The Tasnim news agency reported the Iranian military's operational command had warned the UAE "if any further aggression originates from its territory against the Iranian islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb in the Persian Gulf, Iran... will subject Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to heavy strikes".

Authorities in the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, which shares its name with the UAE's sixth-largest city, said later on Saturday the "sounds heard across parts of the city were the result of successful air defence interception operations".

Shrapnel wounds 20 after Iran missile warning in Israel nuclear town

Published March 21, 2026 | 18:30 GMT

Israeli medics said shrapnel wounded 20 people in the town of Dimona, home to a nuclear facility, after warnings of incoming missile fire from Iran.

Magen David Adom first responders said their teams were treating approximately 20 victims at a number of impact sites, including a 10-year-old boy and a 40-year-old woman in moderate condition.

Israeli police released pictures of officers in a building with a large hole blown in the wall.

Dimona in southern Israel hosts a facility widely believed to possess the Middle East's sole, if undeclared, nuclear arsenal.

Israel has maintained a policy of ambiguity about its nuclear programme, and the Dimona plant officially focuses on research.

The casualties in Dimona came after Iranian authorities said the nuclear facility at Natanz in the Islamic republic was struck in the US-Israeli bombing campaign.

US strikes Iran bases threatening blocked Hormuz oil route

Published March 21, 2026 | 14:41 GMT

The US military declared on Saturday it had damaged an Iranian bunker housing weapons threatening oil and gas shipments in the Strait of Hormuz, as thousands of Iranians marked Eidul Fitr with prayers.

The US statement appeared designed to calm the concerns of energy markets and of Washington's sceptical international allies, more than 20 of whom issued a statement vowing to back efforts to re-open the key sea lane.

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, said US war planes had dropped 5,000-pound bombs on an underground facility on Iran's coast that was storing anti-ship cruise missiles, mobile missile launchers and other equipment.

"We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements," Cooper said in a video statement.

Hezbollah says clashing with Israeli troops in two south Lebanon border towns

Published March 21, 2026 | 14:41 GMT

Hezbollah said its fighters clashed with Israeli forces in two south Lebanon border towns on Saturday, in the third week of the latest war between the foes.

Israel has conducted heavy strikes across Lebanon and ground incursions in the border area, killing more than 1,000 people according to Lebanese authorities.

Hezbollah in a statement said that for four hours on Saturday, its fighters had been engaging in "direct clashes with forces from the Israeli enemy army in the town of Khiam with light and medium weapons" and rockets.

Iran state-linked hospital ordered shut in Dubai: Sources to AFP

Published March 21, 2026 | 14:41 GMT

The United Arab Emirates has ordered the closure of an Iranian state-linked hospital in Dubai, three employees at the facility told AFP, as ties between the two neighbours deteriorate amid Tehran's aerial campaign against Gulf states.

Since the United States and Israel began striking Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran has launched waves of missiles and drones at Gulf states, with more than 2,000 attacks on the UAE alone.

The strikes have strained ties between the countries, prompting Abu Dhabi to recall its ambassador to Iran and close its diplomatic mission.

Iran-linked entities, including schools, have been shut despite longstanding economic and community links.

"The government asked all of us to leave," an employee at the hospital told AFP, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

"The hospital management told us it was because of Iran's attacks on the UAE," he added.

The Iranian hospital, which employs more than 700 people, is run by the Iranian Red Crescent Society. It is one of the oldest healthcare facilities in the UAE.

A UAE official told AFP "certain institutions directly linked to the Iranian regime and IRGC will be closed under targeted measures" after being found to violate UAE laws.

IRGC says targeted Israeli F-16 jet over country's center

Published March 21, 2026 | 14:41 GMT

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Saturday they had targeted an Israeli F-16 fighter jet over the country's center.

"An F-16 hostile enemy fighter jet belonging to the Zionist regime was struck at 3:45 am in central Iran," the Guards said on their Sepah News website.

The Israeli military earlier said a surface-to-air missile had been launched at an Israeli aircraft during "an operational activity" in Iran, without specifying the type of jet.

It added that "no damage was caused to the aircraft".

It was not immediately clear if the Iranian and Israeli statements referred to the same incident.

Iranian media also released an image showing smoke in the sky, saying another aircraft had been targeted, without identifying the type or whether it belonged to Israel or the United States.

AFP could not independently verify the image or what caused the smoke.

The reports came days after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said a US F-35 fighter jet "was hit and seriously damaged in the skies of central Iran" .

On Thursday, CNN, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that a US F-35 fighter jet "made an emergency landing at a US air base in the Middle East after it was struck by what is believed to be Iranian fire".

Israel says struck Iranian ballistic missile facility in Tehran

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:41 GMT

The Israeli military on Saturday said its forces struck ballistic missile production facilities belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guards in overnight attacks on Tehran.

"Facilities utilised for the production of critical components for the development of ballistic missiles belonging to the Iranian regime's security apparatus were targeted," the military said.

The strikes hit a central Guards' compound, a missile components production facility, and a separate compound belonging to Iran's defense ministry, it said.

"The strikes significantly degrade the Iranian terror regime's capabilities to continue producing critical components for ballistic missiles at these sites," the military said.

More than 20 countries say want to contribute to efforts for safe passage in Hormuz strait

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:41 GMT

More than 20 countries on Saturday said they would contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz, condemning Iran's closure of the vital waterway.

"We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces," said the 22 countries, mostly European but also including the UAE and Bahrain.

"We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning," they said in a joint statement.

After the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, Tehran has retaliated with strikes on its Gulf neighbors but also on vessels in the strait.

From March 1 to 19, commodities carriers made just 116 crossings, according to analytics firm Kpler -- a decrease of 95% from peacetime averages.

Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil and gas normally flows, and the numerous attacks on oil and gas infrastructure in the Middle East, have sent energy prices soaring.

"We call for an immediate comprehensive moratorium on attacks on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas installations," the countries added.

Jordan says 240 missiles, drones fired at kingdom since start of war

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:41 GMT

The Jordanian army said on Saturday that 240 missiles and drones had targeted the kingdom since the war began last month, most of which were intercepted.

"The total number of missiles and drones fired towards the kingdom since the start of the war has reached 240," the army said in a statement.

"The Royal Air Force successfully intercepted and destroyed 222 missiles and drones, while 18 missiles and drones were not intercepted by the air defences," it added.

The military's media office, meanwhile, said 36 missiles and drones had targeted the kingdom over the past week.

"Fourteen missiles and 21 drones were intercepted and destroyed, while defences were unable to thwart one attack," it added.

Explosions heard in Bahrain capital: AFP journalist

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:21 GMT

Several blasts were heard in Bahrain's capital of Manama on Thursday, according to an AFP journalist, as Iran presses its aerial campaign against Gulf states.

Two missiles were seen being intercepted in the sky and a number of explosions rocked the city after warning sirens sounded. 

Tehran has targeted Bahrain and other neighboring countries in retaliatory strikes following US-Israeli attacks on Iran beginning 28 February.

US military says Iran threat to Hormuz 'degraded'

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:21 GMT

The US military said Saturday that Iran's ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz has been "degraded" by the bombing this week of an underground facility where it stored cruise missiles and other weaponry.

"We not only took out the facility, but also destroyed intelligence support sites and missile radar relays that were used to monitor ship movements," Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command said in video message posted on X.

"Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz is degraded as a result, and we will not stop pursuing these targets," he added.

Limited Iranian gas imports to Iraq resume: Ministry

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:21 GMT

Gas resumed flowing from Iran, Iraq's electricity ministry said Saturday, after a strike on an Iranian facility caused a three-day stoppage.

The total gas cutoff on March 19 dealt a fresh blow to Iraq's already-struggling economy.

While oil-rich, Iraq is heavily reliant on gas imports from Iran, supplying roughly a third of its electricity needs.

"Iranian gas flow to Iraq resumed at a rate of five million cubic metres" per day, electricity ministry spokesman Ahmed Moussa told state news.

Prior to the war, Iran had agreed to export some 50 million cubic metres of gas per day to Iraq during the boiling summer months, and roughly half that during the cooler winters.

However, those measures were not consistently met.

Russia condemns reported strikes on Iran nuclear site

Published March 21, 2026 | 13:21 GMT

Russia condemned reported strikes on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility earlier Saturday, saying they created a risk of "catastrophe" in the Middle East.

The UN's atomic energy watchdog said it was looking into an Iranian report that the Natanz nuclear site, used for uranium enrichment, was attacked in the war with the United States and Israel.

"The international community... must immediately provide an objective and hardline assessment of these irresponsible actions, which pose a real risk of a catastrophe across the Middle East," Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.

Iran 'unsuccessfully' targeted Diego Garcia base, UK official source to AFP

Published March 21, 2026 | 12:21 GMT

Iran was "unsuccessful" in targeting the joint UK-US Indian Ocean military base at Diego Garcia, a UK official source confirmed to AFP on Saturday, after the Wall Street Journal reported Tehran fired two ballistic missiles at it.

The source said the "unsuccessful targeting of Diego Garcia" took place before the UK government announced Friday that it would allow the United States to use some of its bases to target Iranian sites being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranians mark Eid as Tehran reports strike on nuclear plant

Published March 21, 2026 | 11:59 GMT

Thousands of Iranians held Eidul Fitr prayers on Saturday to mark the end of the Ramadan fast, as Tehran reported a strike on its nuclear enrichment plant and Israel threatened intensified bombardment.

The head of the judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, attended prayers at central Tehran's Imam Khomeini grand mosque, which was filled to overflowing, with worshippers flooding the streets outside.

The previous evening, airstrikes had darkened the mood as the city celebrated Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

"The atmosphere of the New Year was spreading through the city. Places like Tajrish or Golestan Shahrak, where I went, were full of well-dressed and beautiful women buying flowers," said Farid, an advertising executive, reached by AFP through an online message.

"The Israeli attacks happening exactly at the moment of the New Year were deeply upsetting. The thought that some people could be dying right at the New Year dinner table was painful."

Iran's key ally Russian President Vladimir Putin sent greetings to Khamenei, "wished the Iranian people strength on overcoming these severe trials and emphasised that during this difficult time, Moscow remained a loyal friend and reliable partner of Tehran".

Drone attack against Iraqi intelligence services kills one in Baghdad

Published March 21, 2026 | 11:36 GMT

An Iraqi officer was killed on Saturday in a drone attack targeting an Iraqi intelligence services building in a residential Baghdad neighbourhood, the agency said, as the Middle East war reverberates across the country.

At around 10:00 am local time (0700 GMT) the Iraqi National Intelligence Service was attacked in a drone strike, said Saad Maan, head of the Iraqi government's security media unit.

"An officer was martyred," the Iraqi intelligence agency said in a statement, condemning the strike as a "terrorist attack carried out by rogue elements".

No group immediately claimed responsibility.

UN nuclear watchdog calls for 'military restraint' after Iran reports attack on Natanz nuclear site

Published March 21, 2026 | 10:41 GMT

The UN atomic watchdog on Saturday said it was looking into a report by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked in the war with the United States and Israel.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Grossi repeated a "call for military restraint to avoid any risk of a nuclear accident", the agency posted on X.

"The IAEA has been informed by Iran that the Natanz nuclear site was attacked today. No increase in off-site radiation levels reported," it added.

Israel defense minister warns strikes on Iran to increase 'significantly'

Published March 21, 2026 | 10:28 GMT

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that the United States and Israel would intensify their strikes on Iran in the coming week starting Sunday.

"This week, the intensity of the strikes to be carried out by the IDF and the US military against the Iranian terror regime and the infrastructure on which it relies will rise significantly," Katz said in a statement issued by the defence ministry on Saturday.

US, Israel attack Iran's Natanz nuclear facility: Iran atomic energy organisation

Published March 21, 2026 | 08:37 GMT

The United States and Israel struck Iran's Natanz nuclear facility on Saturday, the Islamic republic's atomic energy organisation said.

"Following the criminal attacks by the United States and the usurping Zionist regime against our country, the... Natanz enrichment complex was targeted this morning," the organisation said in a statement carried by the Tasnim news agency.

It added that there was "no leakage of radioactive materials reported" in the area in central Iran.

Drone attack in residential Baghdad neighborhood: Security source

Published March 21, 2026 | 08:13 GMT

Drone attack in residential Baghdad neighbourhood: security source

Hezbollah denies UAE accusations of having network in country

Published March 21, 2026 | 07:51 GMT

Hezbollah denied on Friday that it has a presence inside the United Arab Emirates, after Emirati authorities announced they had arrested at least five members of a "terrorist network" linked to Hezbollah and its backer, Iran.

Earlier this week Hezbollah issued similar denials that it maintained a presence in Kuwait, after Kuwaiti authorities announced the discovery of two alleged cells linked to the group, arresting a combined 26 people.

In a statement, the Lebanese militant group said it "denies the fabricated accusations made against it by the security authorities in the United Arab Emirates".

"Hezbollah has no presence inside the UAE or in any other country under any cover or commercial designation or otherwise."

Iran military warns UAE over attacks on disputed Gulf islands

Published March 21, 2026 | 06:44 GMT

Iran's military warned the United Arab Emirates on Saturday against allowing attacks from its territory on two disputed islands in the Gulf, near the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"We warn the United Arab Emirates if any further aggression originates from its territory against the Iranian islands of Abu Musa and Greater Tunb in the Persian Gulf, Iran's powerful armed forces will subject Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE to heavy strikes," the military's operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya said in a statement carried by Tasnim news agency.

Abu Musa and the Greater Tunb islands, which are controlled by Iran but claimed by the UAE, have long been a source of dispute between the two countries.

Israel says targeting Hezbollah in Beirut as south Lebanon struck

Published March 21, 2026 | 05:14 GMT

The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Beirut claiming to target the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah early Saturday, while Lebanese state media reported strikes in the country's south.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has since launched strikes across Lebanon and sent ground troops into the country's south.

In a brief statement on Saturday, the Israeli military said its forces were "currently striking Hezbollah terrorist organisation targets in Beirut."

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli 'aggression' against Syria

Published March 21, 2026 | 03:14 GMT

Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry condemned on Saturday Israel's strikes on Syrian army camps as "aggression", joining Turkey in calling on the international community to intervene.

The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement that the kingdom condemned "the blatant Israeli aggression... in flagrant violation of international law and Syrian sovereignty".

It urged the international community "to put an end to Israel's violations of international laws and norms".

Iran says ready to help Japan ships through Hormuz Strait: Kyodo

Published March 21, 2026 | 02:47 GMT

Iran is willing to help Japanese ships sail a vital route for global fuel supplies, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Kyodo News in an interview published on Saturday.

Japan depends on crude oil imports from the Middle East, most of which transits the Strait of Hormuz.

In a telephone interview with Kyodo News on Friday, Araghchi denied closing the passageway, insisting instead that countries attacking Iran face restrictions, while others were being offered assistance.

"We have not closed the strait. It is open," he said.

He added that Iran was prepared to ensure safe passage for Japan.

Israel military says striking 'regime targets' in Tehran

Published March 21, 2026 | 02:37 GMT

The Israeli military said it launched strikes on "regime targets" in Tehran early Saturday, after reporting several rounds of Iranian missile fire at Israel.

A brief Israeli military statement on Saturday said forces were "striking Iranian terror regime targets in Tehran" following an earlier air raid targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon's capital Beirut.

There were no immediate details on the outcome of the strikes.

The military earlier said it had "identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel" at least three times within six hours.

Kuwait military says air defences responding to missile attack

Published March 21, 2026 | 02:24 GMT

Kuwait's military said its air defence systems were responding to a missile and drone attack on Saturday, as Iran continues to strike Gulf nations.

"Kuwaiti air defences are currently responding to hostile missile and drone threats," an army statement said.

Iran fired missiles at joint US-UK base in Indian Ocean: report

Published March 21, 2026 | 01:54 GMT

Iran recently fired two ballistic missiles toward the joint US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday, citing US officials.

Neither missile hit the target, which is around 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) from Iranian territory, but the launch suggests that Tehran has missiles with longer ranges than previously thought, the report said.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment.

One of the missiles failed in flight, and the other was targeted by an interceptor fired from a US warship, though it was not clear if the missile was hit, The Journal reported.

Israel says striking Hezbollah in Beirut

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:59 GMT

The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Lebanon's capital Beirut targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah early Saturday, after calling on residents of several areas to evacuate.

In a brief statement on Saturday, the Israeli military said its forces were "currently striking Hezbollah terrorist organisation targets in Beirut".

A military spokesman earlier issued a warning to residents of Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, to evacuate ahead of strikes.

In southern Lebanon, close to the border, state media said an Israeli airstrike hit a house in the town of Ghandouriyeh, killing at least one person and wounding two others.

The official National News Agency reported more strikes overnight on the coastal city of Tyre and the border town of Naqoura.

Hezbollah meanwhile said its fighters had targeted Israeli troops in six villages in southern Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia intercepts more than 20 drones in east: defence ministry

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:57 GMT

Saudi Arabia intercepted 22 drones in the east of the country, the defence ministry said on Saturday, as Iran continues striking Gulf nations.

"10 drones intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region," the Saudi defence ministry posted on X.

The ministry later posted that its air defences had shot down 12 more drones, also in the east.

Lebanon state media says Israeli strike kills one in south

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:11 GMT

Lebanese state media said an Israeli airstrike hit a house in a southern town early on Saturday, killing one person and wounding two others.

"Israeli fighter jets launched a heavy strike at dawn on a house in the town of Ghandouriyeh... resulting in one martyr and two wounded people who were pulled from under the rubble," the official National News Agency said.

US green-lights delivery and sale of Iranian oil at sea

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:04 GMT

The US Treasury temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels, in Washington's latest step to stem a supply crisis over the Middle East war.

The authorization allows for the delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil and other petroleum products loaded onto ships before March 20, and will last through April 19, the Treasury said in a statement.

Bessent described the move in a statement as a narrowly tailored, short-term authorization that follows President Donald Trump's intention to "maximize the flow of energy to the world" and ensure market stability.

"At present, sanctioned Iranian oil is being hoarded by China on the cheap," Bessent said in a statement.

"By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran."

Strike kills fighter in northern Iraq: ex-paramilitaries

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:03 GMT

A strike killed a fighter from the former paramilitary coalition Hashed al-Shaabi at a military airfield in northern Iraq on Friday, the group said, blaming the attack on the United States and Israel.

"One fighter was martyred and another wounded," in the latest strike at a military airbase in the Tuz Khurmatu area, Hashed al-Shaabi said in a statement.

Israel military says new wave of missiles fired from Iran

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:01 GMT

Israel's military said early Saturday that its air defences were operating to intercept a new wave of missiles launched by Iran.

"A short while ago, the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward the territory of the State of Israel. Defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat," the Israeli military said on its official Telegram account.

Trump mulls 'winding down' Iran war

Published March 21, 2026 | 00:00 GMT

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz would need to be "guarded and policed" by other countries who use the vital waterway.

"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran," Trump posted on Truth Social.