Israel intensifies attacks, strikes notorious Iranian prison

Israel struck Evin prison in northern Tehran on June 23, a potent symbol of Iran's governing system, in what Israel called its most intense bombing yet of the Iranian capital a day after the United States joined the war.

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Iran repeated earlier threats to retaliate against the US, but it had yet to do so more than 24 hours after American bombers dropped 13,600kg bunker-busters on its underground nuclear sites, while President Donald Trump openly mused about overthrowing the Iranian government.

Oil prices barely budged on the first trading day after the US joined the war, suggesting traders doubted Iran would follow through on threats to disrupt oil supplies from the Gulf.

Iran's Irib state broadcaster released video showing rescue workers combing the flattened wreckage of Evin prison, carrying a wounded man on a stretcher.

The Mizan news outlet of Iran's judiciary said urgent action was being taken to protect the health and safety of inmates.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar posted a video on X showing an explosion at a building with a sign identifying it as an entrance to the prison.

"Viva la libertad!" Mr Saar wrote. The phrase is Spanish for "long live freedom".

Reuters could not immediately verify the video posted by Mr Saar, although other videos showing the aftermath were verified as genuine.

Evin has been the primary prison for housing political detainees and security prisoners, notably since Iran's 1979 revolution, and the site of executions that remain potent symbols for the opposition.

It is where several high-profile foreign prisoners are also held.

The Israel Defence Forces said Israel had also struck Revolutionary Guard command centres responsible for internal security in the Tehran area.

"The IDF is currently striking, with unprecedented force, regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.