Israel’s Attack on Tehran Prison Kills Dozens, Fuels Ceasefire Doubts
A deadly attack on a notorious Iranian prison by Israel has left at least 71 dead, stoking fears about the fragile ceasefire. The incident, targeting a facility housing political prisoners, occurred amid heightened tensions and accusations between the two nations.
Prison Attack Details
On June 23rd, an Israeli strike on Tehran’s Evin prison, a site known for holding political detainees, resulted in at least 71 fatalities. The casualties included staff, soldiers, inmates, and family members visiting. The exact details remain challenging to confirm independently, according to the Iranian judiciary.
The attack on the prison’s infirmary, engineering building, judicial affairs section, and visiting hall, took place the day before the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. International rights groups have expressed concern over the safety of the prisoners. It is still unknown why Israel targeted the prison.
“The Security Council should also hold the aggressors accountable and prevent the recurrence of such heinous and serious crimes to enable it to maintain international peace and security,”
—Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister
The same day as the prison attack, an Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Qatar caused no injuries. In the wake of the attack, the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran criticized Israel for striking the prison, viewing it as a violation of the principle of distinguishing between civilian and military targets.
Escalating Tensions
Prior to the ceasefire, Israel claimed to have eliminated about 30 Iranian commanders and 11 nuclear scientists over a 12-day period. They also said they hit eight nuclear-related facilities and more than 720 military infrastructure locations. More than 1,000 people were killed, with 417 of them being civilians, according to the Washington-based Human Rights Activists group.
In response, Iran fired over 550 ballistic missiles at Israel. Most were intercepted, but the ones that got through caused damage and killed 28 individuals. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, in a letter to United Nations officials, stated that the UN should recognize Israel and the U.S. as the initiators of aggression, demanding compensation.
Authorities in Tehran were also criticized for their “failure to evacuate, provide medical assistance or inform families” after the attack, according to advocates. Some injured were treated on-site, while others were hospitalized. According to recent data, there has been a 20% increase in international conflict-related deaths in the last year (Council on Foreign Relations, 2024).
The Ceasefire’s Future
While both sides are currently adhering to the truce, Iranian officials have raised concerns about its longevity. Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff for Iran’s armed forces, stated that the country is prepared for another surprise Israeli attack if the ceasefire is broken. He stated, “We did not initiate the war, but we responded to the aggressor with all our might, and since we have complete doubts about the enemy’s adherence to its commitments, including the ceasefire, we are prepared to give them a strong response if they repeat the aggression.”
The status of Iran’s nuclear program remains unclear, the target of initial Israeli strikes. Donald Trump said American strikes “obliterated” the program, while Iranians say he is exaggerating. Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said that damage was done, but the program continues. He emphasized the need for inspectors to fully assess the situation.