In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel has reportedly targeted Tehran’s infamous Evin prison, damaging various sections of the facility that houses numerous political prisoners, including dissidents, human rights advocates, journalists, and dual nationals. The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency confirmed the attack, asserting that the situation is now “under control” following the incident, which it claims breaches international law.
State television footage depicted first responders carrying a casualty on a stretcher and searching for survivors amidst collapsed structures. Israel’s Defence Minister stated that the military struck essential regime targets and governmental repression agencies throughout Tehran, including Evin prison. France’s Foreign Minister condemned the strike as “unacceptable,” noting it jeopardized the lives of two French citizens detained there.
Military Actions and Casualties
On the same day, the Israeli military announced that it had also targeted access routes leading to the Fordo uranium enrichment facility, situated south of Tehran. This strike followed a day after U.S. aircraft reportedly deployed “bunker-busting” bombs on the underground installation.
In retaliation, Iranian ballistic missiles hit various locations in Israel, including an industrial area in Ashdod near a power station, with Israeli authorities confirming 24 casualties from these attacks. The Israeli air campaign against Iran commenced ten days prior, aimed at neutralizing what it described as “existential threats” posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iranian health officials reported approximately 500 fatalities from Israeli strikes, while a human rights organization estimated the toll at 950.
Conditions Inside Evin Prison
Evin prison is known for its high-profile inmates, including political dissidents, journalists, and foreign nationals. Reports from residents in the vicinity described a powerful explosion that shattered windows in nearby homes. Verified videos showcased damaged vehicles and debris strewn across streets, as well as significant destruction to the Shahid Moghaddas Prosecutor’s Office, located within the prison complex.
Details regarding the total number of casualties remain unclear, particularly concerning the presence of civilians. The prosecutor’s office typically sees a high volume of activity during working hours, filled with relatives of inmates, lawyers, prosecutors, and judges. Eyewitness accounts indicate that visitors present during the strike sustained injuries, and inmates in the women’s section reported damage to ceilings, creating a state of panic.
“Deliberately attacking civilian objects is prohibited under international humanitarian law and would amount to a war crime,”
warned Amnesty International in response to the strike. Former inmate Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe expressed her distress, stating, “When I heard this morning that Evin prison was bombed, I felt a sharp pain in my heart. When I was released, I left a piece of my heart there.” Zaghari-Ratcliffe reflected on the friendships formed during her imprisonment and the fear that her former comrades must feel in light of the attack.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized the military’s intent to target repressive authorities in Tehran with “unprecedented force.” Among the identified targets were not only Evin prison but also the headquarters of the Basij Resistance Force and IRGC internal security facilities. Interestingly, reports from Iran’s Mehr news agency stated that the “Israel Destruction” clock indicating the countdown to 2040 was unharmed during the strikes.
The Israeli military confirmed that its operations also aimed to disrupt access routes to the Fordo enrichment site, which has drawn international scrutiny due to its uranium enrichment capabilities. U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that the airstrikes significantly damaged the facility, where uranium is enriched to a level perilously close to weapons-grade purity.
As the conflict intensifies, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported signs of extensive damage at Fordo, with its director general calling for inspection access to Iranian nuclear sites to monitor enriched uranium stockpiles. With Iran’s nuclear ambitions under close watch, the situation continues to evolve, leaving the international community grappling with the potential fallout.