West Asia Conflict Intensifies on Day 23 as Missile Strikes Hit Southern Israel Amid Hormuz Standoff
The armed confrontation in West Asia entered its 23rd day with Iran launching a significant wave of missile attacks on two locations in southern Israel, including an area situated near a major nuclear-related facility.
The bombardment resulted in injuries to more than 150 individuals and occurred shortly after US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could target Iran’s electricity infrastructure if Tehran does not remove restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, Iranian projectiles struck the city of Dimona, located close to one of Israel’s sensitive nuclear sites, as well as the neighbouring city of Arad.
Emergency response organisation Magen David Adom stated that at least 84 people were injured in the attack on Arad alone, as cited by The Times of Israel.
The missile offensive followed renewed joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran’s Natanz nuclear complex, marking the second reported strike on the facility since the conflict began.
Among those seriously wounded in Dimona was a 12-year-old boy who suffered injuries from flying debris, while a five-year-old girl was also hurt in the subsequent strikes that impacted Arad.
Following the attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reaffirmed their commitment to continue military operations against adversaries across multiple fronts, signalling that Israel intends to sustain its campaign despite escalating hostilities.
Earlier on Sunday, President Trump reiterated that the United States could carry out powerful strikes on Iran’s nuclear-linked power infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic within 48 hours and ensure that commercial vessels can pass without intimidation or interference.
The strategically vital passage, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically moves, was restricted by Iran after hostilities began, contributing to a spike in global fuel prices and increased uncertainty in energy markets.
In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump stated that failure by Iran to guarantee unrestricted movement through the shipping corridor would prompt the United States to initiate attacks on Iran’s electricity generation sites, beginning with its largest facilities.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya central military command warned that any strike on its energy sector would provoke retaliatory operations targeting energy installations, digital communication systems and desalination facilities connected to the United States and its allies in the region, according to statements carried by Fars News Agency.
Trump’s warning appeared to contrast with his earlier comments a day before, when he suggested that US military activities against Iran were being gradually reduced and that Washington was approaching the achievement of its operational objectives.
However, later developments indicated that the White House was exploring options related to securing or controlling nuclear material believed to be held within Iran, while the Pentagon was reportedly preparing contingency plans for the possible deployment of American ground forces if the situation escalates further.
Before these statements, the United States had strengthened its military presence in the Gulf region, sending an estimated 2,500 Marine personnel along with additional naval resources to enhance operational readiness.
On Friday, Axios reported that the US administration was also evaluating the possibility of imposing control measures or restrictions around Iran’s Kharg Island, a key export hub responsible for handling approximately 90 per cent of the country’s crude oil shipments.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Defence Ministry confirmed that three ballistic missiles were detected in the vicinity of Riyadh. According to officials, one projectile was successfully intercepted by air defence systems, while the remaining two landed in sparsely populated locations, preventing casualties.
Saudi Arabia, which hosts American military installations and maintains strategic ties with Washington, has witnessed repeated attempts targeting its energy infrastructure through missile and drone attacks attributed to Iranian forces during the ongoing crisis.
Earlier incidents included an attempted strike on the Ras Tanura oil processing facility, considered the largest refinery complex in West Asia. In response to security concerns following Iranian attacks, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended its operations.
Due to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz shipping route, Saudi authorities had been redirecting oil supplies through the Red Sea export terminal at Yanbu, which has the capacity to handle up to seven million barrels per day.
The facility was also reportedly targeted in an attack on Thursday, raising further concerns over regional energy supply stability.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported that an unidentified object caused an explosion near a bulk cargo vessel sailing off the northern central coast of the United Arab Emirates early on Sunday.
The maritime monitoring body said it received information about the incident approximately 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah, confirming that all crew members on board the vessel were safe and that investigations were underway to determine the source of the blast.
The United Kingdom is among 22 nations that have indicated readiness to cooperate on initiatives aimed at protecting commercial shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing concern over disruptions to global trade.
Despite this, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has repeatedly emphasised that the UK does not intend to become directly involved in the conflict.
His stance has drawn criticism from President Trump as well as some members of the Conservative Party in the British Parliament who advocate stronger involvement in securing regional stability.
The ongoing escalation continues to raise fears of wider instability across West Asia, with military movements, energy security concerns and diplomatic tensions contributing to uncertainty in international markets and geopolitical relations.
