Iran Warns Israel’s Dimona Nuclear Reactor Could Become Target if War Escalates
March 5, 2026
Tensions in the Middle East escalated further after an Iranian military official warned that Tehran could target Israel’s key nuclear facility if attacks on Iran intensify.
According to Iranian media reports cited by international outlets, a senior Iranian military official said that if the United States and Israel continue large-scale bombing campaigns against Tehran or attempt to destabilize Iran’s government, the nuclear reactor in Dimona Nuclear Research Center would be considered a “legitimate target.” (ایران اینترنشنال | Iran International)
Warning Amid Escalating Conflict
The statement comes amid a rapidly intensifying confrontation between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Recent military exchanges and airstrikes have already raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Iranian officials said that if Washington and Tel Aviv pursue a strategy aimed at overthrowing Iran’s political system or expand their attacks on Iranian cities, Tehran would respond by targeting strategic infrastructure, including nuclear facilities in Israel. (pajhwok.com)
Strategic Importance of Dimona
The Dimona facility, located in Israel’s Negev desert, is widely believed to play a central role in the country’s undeclared nuclear program. Analysts say any strike on the site would represent a major escalation and could carry serious regional consequences, including the risk of radiological contamination. (The Times of India)
Security experts warn that targeting nuclear infrastructure — whether in Iran or Israel — could significantly increase the danger of a broader war and pose environmental and humanitarian risks.
Rising Regional Concerns
The warning comes at a time when the Middle East is already facing heightened instability following recent military operations and retaliatory strikes across the region. Global leaders and international organizations have called for restraint, warning that continued escalation could trigger a much wider conflict involving multiple countries.
For now, diplomatic channels remain limited as tensions between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv continue to rise, leaving the region on edge over what the next phase of the conflict might bring.