Iran Threatens to Target Israeli Nuclear Reactor in Response to Regime Change Efforts

Iran has issued a stark warning to Israel, threatening to strike a nuclear reactor in the south of the country if a joint US-Israeli effort is made to overthrow the government of the Islamic Republic. The threat was reportedly made by an Iranian military official.

The official stated that Tehran would target the Dimona nuclear reactor should the United States and Israel pursue regime change in Iran. The Dimona facility is a nuclear research center located in the Negev desert near the city of Dimona. It was inaugurated in 1964 and houses a heavy-water reactor (IRR-2) that runs on natural uranium.

This warning comes amid escalating hostilities. On Saturday, the US and Israel initiated an operation against Iran. Israeli officials stated its objective was to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Washington, for its part, threatened to destroy Iran's navy and defense industry and called on Iranian citizens to overthrow their government.

The human cost of these attacks has been significant. According to Iran's Red Crescent Society, at least 1,000 people have been killed, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

US President Donald Trump previously acknowledged that the military operation could last longer than initial estimates of four to five weeks. Concurrently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans for even more powerful strikes against Iran.