Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has announced that Israel and the United States (US) will significantly increase military strikes on Iran starting Sunday, March 22, 2026.
According to the Times of Israel, Katz said the intensified strikes will target the Iranian government and the infrastructure on which it relies.
He added that the army is determined to neutralize all security threats to the country and US interests in the region.
Israel to Intensify Strikes on Iran After Jet Missile Attack
The defence ministry reiterated that its forces are prepared for the increased operational tempo, highlighting a focus on precision strikes while maintaining coordination with the US military command in the region.
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This comes after one of its fighter jets was targeted by a surface-to-air missile while operating in Iranian airspace.
Additionally, the defence ministry noted that the missile incident caused no damage or casualties.
The ministry added that the heightened operations are part of ongoing efforts to degrade capabilities that Israel and U.S. officials say are associated with Tehran’s military and paramilitary activities.
Iran’s Natanz Nuclear Facility Targeted in Fresh Airstrike
Earlier, Iran’s Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was targeted in a new air attack allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel.
According to a report by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, no radioactive leakage was detected at the site, and there was no immediate danger to residents in the surrounding areas.
“No leakage of radioactive materials has been reported in this complex, and no danger threatens the residents of the areas surrounding this site,” the Agency report said.
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Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the Shahid Ahmadi Roshan enrichment facility in Natanz was among the sites hit in what it termed a series of criminal strikes.
The agency argued that the attack contravenes international obligations, citing breaches of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) as well as established nuclear safety standards.
It further stated that experts from the country’s Nuclear Safety System Centre carried out technical evaluations to determine whether the strike caused any radioactive contamination at the facility.
