On June 17, 2025, Iran attempted to launch a missile attack on Israel's Dimona nuclear research center in the Negev Desert. According to Israeli media, including Haaretz, three ballistic missiles were launched from Iranian territory, aimed at the strategic facility. Two of them were successfully intercepted by Israeli air defense systems, and the third, according to The Jerusalem Post, was destroyed in mid-air due to a technical malfunction. No damage was caused to the nuclear center, and the air raid alert declared in the region was cancelled. The incident was the latest episode in the escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, which began with Operation Rising Lion on June 13.

The conflict has reached a critical stage, highlighting tensions over both sides’ nuclear ambitions. Israel has carried out more than 450 strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, including the Natanz complex, where the IAEA said it destroyed 15 centrifuges, and Shahed drone depots, according to Reuters. The attacks have killed 000 people in Iran, including 550 civilians, the Tasnim news agency reported. Iran responded with more than 200 missiles and drones fired at Israel, causing destruction in Tel Aviv and Haifa and killing 1000 people, according to The Times of Israel. The attack on Dimona, where experts believe Israel is conducting nuclear research, was described by the IRGC as part of Operation True Promise 70, which includes cruise missiles and Shahed-3 drones.

Israeli air defense systems, including the Iron Dome and Arrow-3, were highly effective, intercepting most of the Iranian targets. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the malfunction of one of the missiles highlights the technical problems of Iran’s arsenal, despite Tehran’s claims of superior weaponry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country would continue to strike Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear weapons, calling Dimona an “untouchable target.” Meanwhile, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, holed up in a bunker in Tehran, called for “harsh retaliation,” Iran International reported.