Iran Threatens to Strike Israeli Nuclear Reactor in Response to US-Israel Operation

Iran has issued a stark warning that it could target Israel's nuclear reactor in Dimona if the United States and Israel continue their efforts to overthrow the government in Tehran. The threat was delivered by an Iranian military official following the launch of a joint military operation by Washington and Tel Aviv against the Islamic Republic.

The official stated that any pursuit of regime change by the US and Israel would prompt Iran to aim its weapons at the Dimona nuclear facility. The research center, located in the Negev desert near the city of Dimona, houses a heavy-water reactor (IRR-2) that runs on natural uranium and was inaugurated in 1964.

The warning comes as a direct response to the ongoing military campaign initiated by the US and Israel over the weekend. Israeli officials have stated the operation's objective is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Concurrently, Washington has threatened to destroy Iran's naval fleet and defense industry while calling on Iranian citizens to rise up against their government.

According to reports from the Iranian Red Crescent, the US-Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 1,000 casualties, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Previously, US President Donald Trump acknowledged that the operation might extend beyond initial estimates of four to five weeks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has since announced plans for even more powerful strikes against Iran.