DUBAI, June 23: Israel escalated its war with Iran by striking key regime sites in Tehran, on Monday, including Evin Prison—known for detaining political activists and dual nationals—and the Revolutionary Guards’ headquarters.
The attacks followed a fresh wave of Iranian missile and drone strikes on Israeli cities, including Haifa and Tel Aviv, as part of Iran’s “Operation True Promise 3.” Explosions were also reported in Jerusalem, though no injuries were confirmed.
The Israeli military said the latest strikes targeted “regime and repression bodies” but stressed it was not seeking regime change. However, President Donald Trump added fuel to tensions by publicly suggesting regime change in Iran, following the U.S.’s dramatic entry into the conflict a day earlier with airstrikes on Iran’s Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites. Trump later posted on Truth Social, questioning whether regime change was needed if Iran couldn’t “MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN.”
The U.S. used advanced bunker-buster bombs in the strikes, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said likely caused heavy damage. Iran claims it removed nuclear materials beforehand. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said Iran had informed the agency it would take protective measures, but any movement of nuclear material must be declared.
In Iran, Evin Prison suffered visible damage, with surveillance footage showing the strike. State media showed prisoners still under control, but human rights groups expressed concern for detainees’ safety. A power outage was also reported near Tehran after the strikes.
Iranian military chief Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi warned that the U.S. strikes gave Iran a “free hand” to retaliate against American forces. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops are stationed in the Middle East, many within range of Iranian missiles.
Casualties from the ongoing war are mounting. In Israel, 24 have been killed and over 1,000 injured. In Iran, 950 people have died, including 380 civilians and 253 security personnel, according to a U.S.-based rights group.
Internationally, concern is growing. Russia condemned the Israeli and U.S. strikes as “unprovoked aggression,” while EU leaders in Brussels urged restraint. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned that escalation—particularly the threatened closure of the Strait of Hormuz—could have devastating global consequences.
Iran, which claims its nuclear program is peaceful, ramped up uranium enrichment to 60% after the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal and has since restricted international inspections. (AP)
