
Israel on Monday, June 23, launched a fresh strike on Iran’s underground uranium enrichment facility at the Fordow nuclear site, south of Tehran, alongside six military airports. The attack followed a US bombing of the same facility a day earlier.
A spokesperson for the Qom Provincial Crisis Management Headquarters told Tasnim News Agency in an interview that “the aggressor enemy attacked the Fordow nuclear site again.”
He assured that, according to Atomic Energy Organisation officials, there is no threat to citizens. “The US attack yesterday caused little damage,” he added.
He said that, as the Atomic Energy Organisation officials have announced, there will be no danger or threat to citizens, adding, “The US attacked this nuclear facility yesterday, but it did not cause much damage.”
Israel also attacked Evin Prison in Tehran, Tasnim news agency reported.
According to the Judiciary Media Centre, the situation at the prison is under control. All resources have been mobilised to manage the facility.
“In the latest attack by the Zionist regime on Tehran, unfortunately, projectiles struck Evin Prison, causing damage to parts of the facility. This attack has been carried out in violation of international law,” the statement said.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned Iranians it would continue to attack military sites around Tehran over “the coming days” as its focus has shifted to symbolic targets as well. “To maintain your personal safety, we ask you to stay away from weapons production centres, military bases and security institutions affiliated with the regime,” the warning read.
Iran has criticised the warnings as a way to scare its public. However, the Israelis have carried out strikes after their warnings multiple times.
Earlier in the day, the Israeli military struck six airports across western, central, and eastern Iran, destroying runways, underground hangars, refuelling aircraft, and several F-14, F-5, and AH-1 aircraft.
The destroyed aircraft were intended for use against Israeli Air Force planes and to thwart their attacks on Iranian territory. The Air Force disrupted the takeoff capability from these airports and the operation of the Iranian army’s air force from them, it added.
Qatar closes airspace
Meanwhile, amid threats of Iranian retaliation against the United States, Qatar closed its airspace on Monday. The announcement was made through the country’s Foreign Ministry. Qatar is home to Al Udeid Air Base, a major base for US forces. It is also home to Qatar Airways, a major regional carrier. The country called the decision temporary.
A number of schools in Qatar have also been ordered shut for tomorrow.
US strikes Iran
On Sunday, June 22, the United States carried out coordinated strikes on Iran’s key nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The operation, involving stealth bombers and precision-guided munitions, aimed to significantly damage Tehran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said on Monday that “very heavy damage” is expected at Fordow following the US airstrike.
Speaking in Vienna, Grossi stated, “Given the explosive payload utilised and the extreme vibration-sensitive nature of centrifuges, very significant damage is expected to have occurred.”
He added that “at this time, no one, including the IAEA, is in a position to have fully assessed the underground damage at Fordow.”
Hostilities began on Friday, June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to retaliate.
(With inputs from AP)