Israel Today: Ongoing War Report - Update from 2026-03-21 at 21:02

HEADLINESIDF strikes Tehran missile research facilityIran launches two-stage ICBM toward Diego GarciaTrump threatens to obliterate Iran power plantsThe time is now 9:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.In Operation Lion's Roar, the Israel Defense Forces began strikes on a research and development facility inside Tehran’s Malek-Ashtar University that the IDF says was used by the regime to develop ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons components. The operation follows IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir's approval of a new wave of overnight strikes across all current theaters of war after Iranian ballistic missiles hit Israeli cities in the south, injuring dozens. The IDF described the Tehran facility as part of the regime’s missile and nuclear work, and said the strikes were launched in the early hours on Sunday. Breaking reports described ongoing strikes with loud explosions reported in the east and west of the capital. Separately, attacks on the Israeli towns of Arad and Dimona wounded a large number of people—88 in Arad and 78 across Dimona—though the casualty figures are part of a developing situation as authorities assess damage and effects of the strikes.In Direct Israel-Iran Clashes, analysts say the most consequential aspects of the conflict remain largely out of public view, focusing on Iran’s ability to sustain a regional system through missiles, shipping, proxies, financial networks, and intelligence and command structures. The visible actions, including a two-stage intercontinental ballistic missile launch toward a US base in Diego Garcia with a roughly 4,000-kilometer range, signal the widening reach of Iran’s capabilities and the broader threat to regional and European interests. Iranian forces are also reported to have conducted missile strikes that hit Israeli-adjacent targets, with authorities noting attempts to intercept and the subsequent investigations into intercept failures as part of the ongoing response. An update from Dimona indicated dozens were injured in that strike, highlighting the human impact of the exchanges, while Israeli officials said the air force is examining how a ballistic missile breach occurred to inform future defenses.In US Military Role, the United States and its allies have stepped up efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise. US President Donald Trump threatened to obliterate Iran’s power plants if the Strait is not fully opened within 48 hours, saying the initial strike would target the biggest plant first. The threat followed reports that Tehran is considering ways to allow ships to pass through the Strait, and comes as analysts note the risk of expanding conflict beyond the region. The language echoed in Reuters and other outlets underscores a dramatic escalation even as Washington and its partners mobilize military and logistical assets, including reconnaissance and deterrence measures, to ensure the Strait remains navigable and energy flows are restored.Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.SOURCEShttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-890724https://t.me/JewishNews24/51658https://www.maariv.co.il/breaking-news/article-1299447https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-890723https://t.me/JewishNews24/51659https://t.me/JewishNews24/51657https://t.me/JewishNews24/51656https://t.me/JewishNews24/51655https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-890722https://www.jpost.com/international/article-890725https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2026/03/trump-threatens-iran-power-plant-strikes-over-hormuz-blockade