The Israeli military also confirmed it struck roads surrounding Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment facility, aiming to block access to the site. This underground facility was among those targeted in Sunday’s U.S. strikes on three nuclear-related locations. The Israeli military provided no further details.
In coordinated strikes on Tehran, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced it had targeted key locations, including the infamous Evin Prison and the security headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“The Iranian dictator will face the full force of our response for launching an attack on Israel’s home front,” the ministry declared.
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that Israel’s strategy is focused on pressuring the Iranian leadership—not on pursuing regime change. “The goal is to contain and weaken, not to topple,” the official said.
The Israeli operation came just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: “If the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change???”
Israel and Iran press their attacks
On Monday, Iran announced a renewed phase of its military operation, True Promise 3, claiming responsibility for attacks aimed at the Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv, according to Iranian state television. Explosions were also reported in Jerusalem, although there were no immediate signs of damage.
Simultaneously, Israeli airstrikes reportedly struck near Iran’s capital, Tehran, around midday. Iranian media confirmed one strike directly hit the gate of Evin Prison, a facility notorious for detaining dual nationals, political prisoners, and individuals with Western connections. Surveillance footage released by Iranian TV appeared to show the moment of the strike.
Evin Prison is operated in part by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The prison has been subject to sanctions by both the U.S. and the European Union due to its role in human rights violations.
Earlier in the day, Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of the joint staff of the armed forces, issued a stark warning to Washington, declaring that recent U.S. actions had granted Iran a “free hand” to retaliate against American interests and military forces.
Calls for de-escalation
The United States characterized its Sunday strikes on Iran’s Fordo and Natanz enrichment facilities, along with the Isfahan nuclear site, as a one-time operation aimed at neutralizing Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, former President Donald Trump cautioned that further military action could follow if Iran responds with force.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani condemned the U.S. attacks as a violation of national sovereignty, calling them equivalent to an invasion, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
Russia, a key Iranian ally, responded with urgency. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, later stating they had discussed “how we can get out of today’s situation.”
Meanwhile, in Brussels, the European Union’s foreign policy chief emphasized the bloc’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution. “The concerns of retaliation and this war escalating are huge,” said Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas at the opening of an EU foreign ministers’ meeting. She also warned about the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil shipments.
“Especially the closing of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran is something that would be extremely dangerous and not good for anybody,” Kallas added.
Following the strikes, Iranian officials reiterated their longstanding warning that they could shut down the crucial shipping lane in response.
Reporting contributed by: Lidman in Tel Aviv; Josef Federman in Jerusalem; Elise Morton in London; Geir Moulson in Berlin; Ella Joyner in Brussels; and Stephanie Liechtenstein in Vienna.
