TEHRAN, KOMPAS.com — The Israeli military claims to have attacked a number of strategic targets in the heart of Iran's capital, Tehran. The main targets were the notorious Evin Prison, as well as the command center of Iran's security forces.

In Tehran, AFP journalists heard explosions in the northern part of the city on Monday morning (23/6/2025).

Iran's Red Crescent confirmed an attack near its headquarters in the region.

"The Israeli military carried out an unprecedented strike against regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said via his X account (formerly Twitter).

According to Gallant, the attacks included Evin Prison—known for holding political prisoners and opponents of the Iranian government—as well as command centers for the Basij militia and the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.Evin Prison is known as a high-security complex located in a northern district of Tehran.

The prison has frequently been in the spotlight of international human rights groups for alleged abuses against detainees, including torture.

Iran is believed to be holding around 20 European citizens in Evin prison.

In a separate statement, the Israeli military said its strikes targeted the headquarters of Iran's security forces, including the Revolutionary Guards, which are considered a key force in maintaining Iran's internal stability.

Developments in the Israel-Iran war

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Israel began its military campaign against Iran on June 13, 2025. The initial strikes targeted Iran's nuclear sites and missile launchers, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a threat to his country.

But Israel's target range has now expanded, with attacks targeting state television stations and internal security forces in addition to military facilities.

The move sparked speculation that Israel was seeking to overthrow Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran's three-wave attack on Israel

On the same day, Iran launched three waves of attacks on Israel in less than two hours.

“A few moments ago, sirens sounded in several areas of northern Israel after missiles were detected being launched from Iran towards the State of Israel,” the Israeli military said in a statement.

About ten minutes later, authorities said residents had been allowed to leave the shelter.

Israel's rescue agency, Magen David Adom, reported that there were no casualties in Iran's first wave of attacks.

However, a number of residents experienced panic attacks and minor injuries while trying to seek shelter.

Local media reported that a number of missiles hit the Ashdod area in southern Israel.