• Iran launches missiles and drones at Israel, claiming retaliation for US airstrikes on its nuclear facilities.
• Israel strikes multiple targets in Tehran, including the infamous Evin prison and key military sites.
• The conflict has escalated since US intervention, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran has launched a wave of missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities, including Haifa and Tel Aviv, as a response to critically damaging U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Iran's military spokesperson declared that American actions presented a "free hand" for further retaliation against U.S. interests in the region, following the strikes on key sites such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, which have been heavily bombarded by the Israeli military since June 13, 2025, according to aa and aljazeera.

On Monday, Israeli forces executed extensive airstrikes in Tehran, hitting *Evin Prison*, known for housing political prisoners and dissidents, as well as military command centers associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Israel's Defense Minister stated that these operations targeted "regime oppression", which he described as a crucial step in diminishing Iran's capabilities, according to sources from both Newsweek and Los Angeles Times.

The Israeli military confirmed strikes on access routes to the Fordow nuclear site, alleging these actions were intended to cut off access after extensive U.S. bombardments had reportedly caused "very significant damage" to the facility. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions throughout Tehran, including an attack near the prison, where authorities claimed the situation remained stable, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

As the death toll rises — with estimates suggesting at least 430 fatalities in Iran and around 24 in Israel — both sides brace for further escalations. Iranian officials denounce U.S. acts as overt war declarations and warn of potential repercussions that could destabilize the entire region. The Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Moscow in search of support underlines shifts in alliances and the potential for broader conflict, reported by BBC and NPR.

In response to ongoing military actions, global leaders have urged restraint, with concerns over impacts in the Gulf region. An EU diplomat highlighted the risks related to potential closures of the *Strait of Hormuz*, a vital global shipping artery, warning that escalations could lead to significantly heightened tensions impacting worldwide oil markets, according to TRT Global and Middle East Eye.