Israel launched a targeted airstrike on Iran’s notorious Evin Prison in northern Tehran on Monday, marking what officials described as one of the most forceful attacks yet on the Iranian capital.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating it was part of a broader campaign against “regime targets and repression centers” in the heart of Tehran. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation aimed to weaken the Iranian government’s internal security apparatus, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Basij paramilitary forces.

Evin Prison, long infamous for housing political prisoners, dual nationals, and regime critics, sustained significant structural damage, according to Iranian state media. The facility, often referred to as the “black hole” of Iran’s justice system, has been the subject of international condemnation for alleged human rights abuses.

Footage shared by Israeli officials showed explosions at the prison’s main gate, while Iranian sources reported power outages and damage to nearby infrastructure. The Iranian judiciary confirmed the strike but claimed the situation was “under control”.

The attack follows U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities just a day earlier, fueling fears of a broader regional conflict. Iran has vowed retaliation, and observers warn that the targeting of such symbolic sites could signal a shift toward direct confrontation with Iran’s ruling institutions.

Let me know if you'd like a visual timeline of the strikes or a deeper dive into the strategic implications of targeting Evin Prison.