Payam Javan: Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes on Monday targeting key Iranian government sites in Tehran, including the infamous Evin Prison, the Revolutionary Guards’ security headquarters, and the Fordo underground nuclear enrichment facility, according to the Israeli Defense Ministry. The assault on Fordo marks the second attack on the site in as many days, following U.S. strikes over the weekend that utilized advanced bunker-buster bombs, causing significant damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, as confirmed by the UN’s nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Mariano Grossi.

In response, Iran retaliated with a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Israel, while issuing a stark warning to the United States, declaring its military now has a “free hand” to target American interests. Amid escalating tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Moscow, condemning the U.S. strikes as “unprovoked aggression” and reaffirming Russia’s support for Tehran. Meanwhile, the European Union, led by diplomat Kaja Kallas, emphasized a diplomatic approach to prevent further escalation, particularly warning against Iran’s potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route.