An Iranian missile strike has hit the town of Dimona in southern Israel, near to a nuclear facility.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said it was not aware of any damage to the nuclear research facility located about eight miles (13km) outside Dimona.

Iranian state TV said the strike was in response to a reported attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility earlier on Saturday. The IAEA said no increase in off-site radiation levels had been reported after that incident.

Rafael Grossi, the IAEA's director general, commented that maximum military restraint should be observed, in particular in the vicinity of nuclear facilities.

Israel's ambulance service reported treating 40 people following the strike in Dimona, including 37 with mild injuries and a 10-year-old boy in serious condition.

Another strike in the nearby town of Arad left an additional 68 people treated, 47 with mild injuries and 10 in serious condition, with emergency services describing it as a very severe scene.

Israeli authorities are currently investigating how the missiles managed to bypass air defense systems, with reports of interceptors being launched that failed to neutralize the threats.

The Shimon Peres Negev Nuclear Research Center, frequently referred to as the Dimona reactor, is believed to house Israel's undeclared nuclear arsenal. Officially, it is stated to focus on research, but for decades it has been suspected of facilitating nuclear weapon development.

This development raises significant concerns due to Israel's established position as the only nuclear power in the Middle East, resulting in a heightened seriousness towards threats against it. Elimination of any potential Iranian nuclear capabilities remains a core objective for both Israel and the US.

Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation condemned the attack on Natanz as a breach of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, asserting no radioactive leakage occurred and there was no danger to surrounding residents.

Targeted previously in early strikes during the ongoing conflict since February 28 and through other military engagements in June, Natanz's safety and operational integrity are under continued scrutiny.

The Israel Defense Forces have stated they were unaware of any attacks affecting the Natanz area as of the reports.