Israel says it targeted state repression sites in Tehran

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.

A parliamentary bill to suspend Iran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog is under consideration, Ruhollah Motefakerzadeh, a member of parliament's presidium said on Monday according to state media.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibafalso said on Monday: "We in the parliament are seeking to pass a bill that would suspend Iran's cooperation with the IAEA until we have objective guarantees of the professional behavior of this international organization."

"The world clearly saw that the Atomic Energy Agency has not fulfilled any of its obligations and has become a political tool," he added.