Tehran (Web Desk/Agencies): Iran’s underground nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow has been struck again, according to Iranian state media reports on Monday. This comes shortly after the weekend’s initial strikes that targeted key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow.
The renewed strike occurred while Iran launched a barrage of missiles and drones toward Israel, issuing a strong warning to the United States (US).
Tehran claimed that following Washington’s involvement, Iran’s military now has a “free hand” to target American interests, in reaction to what it described as a significant escalation by the US administration.
Fordow, one of the facilities struck during the earlier assault, was reportedly hit once more on Monday.
The extent of the damage from the latest strike is not yet clear, as Iranian authorities have not released detailed information.
However, Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), commented on the situation, stating, “Given the explosive payload utilized,” the agency expects “very significant damage” occurred in the initial strikes.
The United States' direct involvement in the weekend attacks, which targeted three of Iran’s nuclear sites using missiles and 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs, has significantly heightened tensions in the region.
Iran criticized the move as a crossing of “a very big red line” and labeled the operation a high-risk maneuver by the US, raising fears of a broader conflict across the Middle East.
Witnesses in Iran reported that Israeli airstrikes also hit various locations near Tehran around midday.
Among the targets was the gate of Iran’s notorious Evin prison, as reported by Iranian state television. The outlet broadcast what appeared to be surveillance footage in black and white showing the moment of the strike.
Israel’s Defence Ministry later confirmed that its forces had carried out operations against multiple sites in the Iranian capital, including Evin Prison and the security headquarters of Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards.
Evin is widely recognized for allegedly detaining dual nationals and foreign citizens, often used by Iran in negotiations with Western countries.
The prison also contains special units dedicated to holding political prisoners and individuals with connections to the West. These units are operated by the Revolutionary Guard, which functions under the direct command of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Due to its role and history, Evin Prison has long been the subject of sanctions from both the United States and the European Union (EU).