Iran’s exiled prince says Islamic Republic is 'collapsing’

Israel’s military has launched a series of strikes targeting what it described as key government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Monday.

According to a statement from the Office of the Minister of Defense, the airstrikes—conducted under the direction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz—were aimed specifically at institutions linked to domestic political control and internal security.

“The IDF is now attacking with unprecedented force regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran.”

Among the targets struck were the headquarters of the Basij paramilitary force, Evin prison—used to detain political prisoners and dissidents—the internal security division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Islamic Republic's ideological command centers.

Also hit was the "Israel Destruction" clock in Palestine Square, a longstanding symbol of Tehran's hostility toward the Jewish state.

“For every shot fired at the Israeli home front, the Iranian dictator will be punished and the attacks will continue with full force,” added the statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in talks in Moscow that aggression against Iran was groundless.

"The absolutely unprovoked aggression against Iran has no basis and no justification. For our part, we are making efforts to assist the Iranian people," Putin said in the meeting.

"I am very glad that you are in Moscow today, this will give us the opportunity to discuss all these pressing issues and think together about how we could get out of today's situation."

Araghchi thanked Putin for condemning US strikes on Iran, telling him Russia stood on "the right side of history".

“Consultations between Iran and Russia have always existed. On every issue, we have worked closely together, held discussions, and coordinated our positions... My trip had been planned in advance — to come here after Istanbul and meet with Mr. Putin to discuss the Israeli aggression and other regional threats — which, of course, have now also involved an American attack,” Araghchi said before meeting Putin.

Israeli forces carried out a new wave of strikes on Monday targeting a range of military and security sites tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other state security agencies.

Among the locations hit were the Basij headquarters, the Seyyed al-Shohada base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Tharallah Base in Tehran, the IRGC unit in Alborz province, the Intelligence Protection Command of the IRGC, and the Intelligence Directorate of Iran’s national police, according to reports shared with Iran International

The Tharallah (Sarallah) Base, a central command unit tasked with managing major security incidents in the capital, was reportedly one of the main targets. It operates under the direct supervision of the IRGC’s top command and plays a key role in suppressing domestic unrest.

Israeli airstrikes have targeted administrative, security, and courtroom sections of Tehran’s Evin Prison, a site widely seen as a symbol of political repression in the Islamic Republic, according to information shared with Iran International.

The attack, described by the Israeli military as “symbolic,” reportedly struck the main entrance and office facilities, while detention blocks housing prisoners remained intact.

There were no reported casualties among inmates. Local sources say groups of relatives of political prisoners and concerned residents attempted to reach the facility following the strike.

IRGC’s Tasnim news said an electricity feeder in northern Tehran Evin neighborhood was hit, causing power cuts in northern Tehran.

Israeli officials have previously stated their intent to strike elements and institutions associated with state repression.

On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said, "The IDF is now attacking regime targets and government repression bodies in the heart of Tehran with unprecedented force -- for every shot at the Israeli home front, the Iranian dictator will be punished and the attacks will continue with full force."

The incident follows a series of Israeli strikes in recent days on security installations, including a special forces command post and Iran’s cyber police headquarters.

Germany's foreign minister said on Monday that Iran needs to engage in direct talks with the United States. though the European Union remains ready to play a role in negotiations.

"Iran says it only wants to negotiate with Europe and we see that as a good sign but we do also say that's not sufficient. We want to see the United States being involved," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said, speaking to journalists in Brussels ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

"I renew my call on Iran to now be ready for talks. We have, however, been asked by the US, over the last few weeks and also just now, to remain in touch and Europe does have a role," he added.