Iran Confirms Casualties from Israeli Strike on Evin Prison

On Sunday, Iran officially admitted that a recent Israeli airstrike targeted Evin prison in Tehran, leading to significant casualties. According to Asghar Jahangir, the spokesperson for the Iranian judiciary, the attack claimed at least 71 lives, encompassing prison staff, military personnel, inmates, and family members visiting the facility. Specific details regarding the breakdown of these casualties were not provided by Iranian officials.

Human Rights Activists in Iran reported that among those killed, at least 35 were staff members and two were inmates. They also mentioned that a nearby civilian and a woman who arrived to discuss her husband's incarceration were among the victims. Injured individuals received treatment at the site of the attack, while others were transported to various hospitals; however, the exact number of injured is still unclear.

Iran confirmed on the previous day the death of top prosecutor Ali Ghanaatkar, known for prosecuting dissidents, which had drawn international scrutiny. The strike, executed by Israel on June 23, aimed at what they termed "regime targets" within Tehran, particularly affecting political prisoners and advocates against the regime.

This strike was part of a larger Israeli offensive over 12 days, which Israel claims resulted in the deaths of around 30 Iranian military leaders and 11 scientists tied to nuclear programs, as well as damage to numerous military facilities.

Despite prior claims from former President Donald Trump that American strikes had rendered Iran's nuclear capabilities ineffective, the true extent of the damage remains ambiguous. Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), indicated that while severe damage occurred, it was not complete. He asserted that Iran still possesses the industrial and technological means to resume its nuclear activities relatively quickly if desired. Grossi noted that Iran could potentially initiate uranium enrichment again within a few months if they choose to do so, emphasizing that the situation is far from resolved.