Israel hits Tehran's Evin Prison following US entry into conflict

On June 23, Israel targeted Tehran’s Evin prison, in what it described as the most intense bombardment of the Iranian capital to date.

The attack came a day after the United States entered the conflict by striking Iranian nuclear facilities, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The prison, long a symbol of Iran’s political repression and the site of executions and high-profile detentions since the 1979 revolution, suffered damage, according to Iran’s judiciary-linked Mizan news agency, though it reported the situation was under control.

A video shared by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar showed an explosion at a building marked as the prison’s entrance, with the caption: “Viva la libertad!”

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel had broadened its target scope beyond nuclear and missile infrastructure, vowing to hit “regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran.”

Reports from Iranian media described additional strikes on infrastructure, including a power station in the Evin area. There were also claims that Shahid Beheshti University had been hit, although the university denied this.

Meanwhile, Iran repeated its threats to retaliate against the United States following American strikes on underground nuclear sites, including Fordow, where satellite imagery suggested major damage. President Donald Trump hailed the strike as a “Bullseye!!!” and posted: “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran.”

Trump also appeared to call for regime change, writing: “It’s not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!”

Despite the rhetoric, Iran has not responded with direct action against the United States. Instead, it has continued launching missiles at Israel. “Mr Trump, the gambler, you may start this war, but we will be the ones to end it,” said Ebrahim Zolfaqari, spokesperson for Iran’s central military command.

Oil markets showed a muted reaction, suggesting scepticism that Iran would follow through on threats to disrupt Gulf shipping. Brent crude futures edged up only 0.5% to $77.38 a barrel on June 23. “The current geopolitical risk premium... cannot be sustained for long without a tangible supply disruption,” said Ole Hansen of Saxo Bank.

Iranian lawmakers have reportedly discussed closing the Strait of Hormuz, though no formal move has been made. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: “It's economic suicide for them if they do it. And we retain options to deal with that.”

The ongoing Israeli bombardment, which began on June 13, has reportedly faced minimal resistance. With Syria’s Bashar al-Assad toppled and Hezbollah weakened, Iran’s regional influence appears diminished.

By Aghakazim Guliyev