Tensions are rising within Iran as Israel consecutively attacks key nuclear facilities following large-scale bombings by the United States.
Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on the 23rd (local time) that Israel has again bombed the Fordow nuclear facility in Qom Province, central Iran. Tasnim quoted a local government official saying, "The invaders have attacked the Fordow nuclear facility once more." The Associated Press also cited Iran's state broadcaster IRIB claiming, "The underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordow was attacked."
The Israel Defense Forces also issued a statement, saying, "We conducted airstrikes to block access to the Fordow enrichment facility," thereby officially confirming the airstrikes.
This attack, occurring right after the U.S. military intervention, has led to speculation that the military conflict between Iran and Israel has entered a new phase.
Prior to this, the U.S. military had mobilized 6 of the 7 B-2 strategic bombers that were deployed from the mainland to drop 12 precision-guided bombs known as 'bunker busters' (GBU-57) on the Fordow nuclear facility early on the 22nd (local time).
Israel has also launched airstrikes in the heart of Iran's capital, Tehran. Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant stated via X (formerly Twitter) that, "Under the orders of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and myself, the military is attacking regime institutions in downtown Tehran with unprecedented force."
The targets of this attack reportedly included the headquarters of the Basij militia linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Evin prison used for political detainees, a clock tower indicating the remaining time until the 'destruction of Israel in 2040,' and security organizations within the IRGC.
In particular, Evin prison, located in northern Tehran, is noted for housing human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi (53), drawing international attention. The prison authorities stated, "Some parts of the facility have been damaged, but the situation is under control," Tasnim reported.