Dubai: Iranian state television reported on Monday that a suspected Israeli airstrike struck the front gate of Evin prison in Tehran, a high-security facility notorious for housing political prisoners, dual nationals, and critics of the Iranian regime.

Surveillance footage aired by the broadcaster showed what appeared to be a black-and-white drone strike on the complex. Israel has not officially commented on the attack.

Evin prison, under sanctions from both the US and EU, is controlled in part by Iran's Revolutionary Guard, which reports directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The facility has long been symbolic of state repression, holding individuals frequently used as diplomatic leverage in negotiations with Western governments.

The strike on Evin came amid a broader escalation, as Israel and the US ramp up military pressure on Iran. On Sunday, the US struck Iran’s key nuclear facilities at Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan with 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. According to Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), significant structural damage is “expected” at Fordo, although no full inspection has yet taken place.

Iran retaliated Monday by launching missiles and drones at Israel under a new wave of its Operation True Promise 3, reportedly targeting Tel Aviv and Haifa. Explosions were also heard in Jerusalem, though damage reports were not immediately available. Israeli defence systems responded by intercepting the incoming projectiles.

Simultaneously, Iranian media said that Israeli strikes had again targeted the Fordo facility on Monday. The compound had already been hit the previous day. While there is no confirmation of the extent of the damage from these subsequent strikes, the IAEA confirmed concerns about the stability of the site due to the sensitive centrifuge systems housed there.

In a warning to Washington, Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi said the US attack on Iranian soil had given Tehran a "free hand" to retaliate against American military interests. Tens of thousands of US troops are currently stationed across the Middle East, within range of Iran’s missile capabilities.

Globally, calls for de-escalation are intensifying. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc remains focused on a diplomatic solution, cautioning that a closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran would have severe consequences for global oil transport.

The crisis has roots in the collapse of the 2015 nuclear agreement. Since former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the accord during his first term, Iran has enriched uranium up to 60%, nearing weapons-grade levels, while restricting international inspections.

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday, as Iran leans on allies amid mounting international pressure.

This is a developing story.