Israel Strikes Iranian Government Sites Following Massive US Assault

Israel launched a series of strikes against Iranian government targets in Tehran this past Monday. These strikes followed missiles and drones fired by Iran at Israel, which in turn came on the heels of the Trump administration’s large-scale strikes on Iranian nuclear sites on the day prior.

The Israeli military confirmed it struck roads around Iran’s Fordo enrichment facility, thereby impeding access to the site. This underground site was one of those targeted in Sunday’s United States attack on three nuclear facilities. The Israeli military chose not to provide additional details.

Israel’s Defense Ministry disclosed that it struck targets including the notorious Evin Prison in the Iranian capital, as well as the security headquarters of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guards. The ministry stated that the Iranian leadership would be met with full force for attacking the Israeli home front.

In Vienna, Rafael Grossi, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, expressed his expectation of substantial damage at the Fordo facility resulting from the U.S.’s strikes with sophisticated bunker-buster bombs. Reports indicate that the U.S. involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran has sparked concerns of a wider regional conflict.

Iran has claimed that it removed nuclear material from targeted sites ahead of time. Grossi stated, without specifying whether Iran had responded, that any transfer of nuclear material from a safeguarded facility to another location in Iran must be declared.

Iran’s Monday attack on Israel, dubbed “True Promise 3,” targeted Israeli cities of Haifa and Tel Aviv. Witnesses in Iran reported Israeli airstrikes hitting areas around Tehran. Additionally, confirmation was received of an Israeli strike on the gate of Evin Prison, a facility known for holding dual nationals and Westerners, often used by Iran in negotiations with the West.

Earlier on Monday, Iranian Gen. Abdolrahim Mousavi warned Washington that its strikes had given Iranian forces a “free hand“ to act against U.S. interests. This development follows earlier reports that the U.S. described its Sunday attack as a one-off to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, but warned of additional strikes if Tehran retaliates.

In the wake of the American attacks, calls for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy to resolve the conflict have echoed globally. The European Union’s top diplomat asserted the bloc’s dedication to a diplomatic solution. Concerns about the war escalating and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil transport, have been voiced.

This raises important questions about the future of Iran’s nuclear program, which the country insists is solely for civilian purposes. After the U.S. withdrew unilaterally from the 2015 deal, Iran began enriching uranium up to 60%. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul renewed calls for Iran to agree to direct talks with the United States, while asserting Europe still has a role to play.

As this complex situation continues to evolve, many questions remain unanswered. It remains crucial for the public to stay informed. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and keep you updated with the most accurate and verified information.