Israel launched a series of high-profile strikes on Tehran Monday, targeting Iranian government buildings, military command centers, and the notorious Evin Prison, intensifying an already volatile regional crisis following Iran’s missile barrage against Israeli cities and the United States’ major strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the strikes, stating that targets included facilities linked to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, as well as infrastructure near the Fordo nuclear enrichment site—one of three Iranian facilities bombed by the U.S. a day earlier using powerful bunker-buster munitions.
“The Iranian dictator will be punished with full force for attacking the Israeli home front,” the Israeli ministry declared. Strikes in central Tehran reportedly hit Palestine Square and the outer gate of Evin Prison, a site notorious for holding political prisoners and dual nationals often used in high-stakes negotiations with the West.
These attacks followed Sunday’s bold U.S. assault on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure—an unprecedented move that drew immediate global concern. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported “very significant damage” to the Fordo site and is investigating Iran’s claims that nuclear materials had been removed in advance. Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, said any such transfers must be declared, but Iran has yet to provide verification.
Iran responded with a new phase of its campaign, dubbed “Operation True Promise 3,” claiming missile attacks on Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Explosions were heard in Jerusalem, though no immediate damage was reported. Iranian state TV released black-and-white footage allegedly showing Israel’s strike on Evin Prison, confirming hits in multiple parts of the capital.
In a chilling statement, Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi warned the U.S. that its strikes had given Iran “a free hand” to act against American forces in the region. Tens of thousands of U.S. troops remain stationed across the Middle East—well within range of Iran’s short-range missiles—raising fears of a broader war.
The flare-up has drawn global condemnation and renewed calls for diplomacy. Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the attacks by the U.S. and Israel as “unprovoked aggression,” following a meeting in Moscow with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, whose administration ordered the strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, stoked speculation over regime change in Tehran, writing: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”
European leaders echoed alarm over the growing crisis. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign affairs chief, warned that Iran’s repeated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz—a vital global oil shipping route—would be “extremely dangerous and not good for anybody.”
The crisis comes amid the collapse of the 2015 nuclear deal, which once placed limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief. Trump unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the agreement during his first term, prompting Iran to resume high-level enrichment and restrict international inspections. With diplomacy frozen and military escalations spiraling, global leaders now face a race against time to prevent a full-scale regional war.