Iranian state news media reported that 71 individuals were killed in an attack by Israel on Evin Prison in Tehran on June 23. The facility is known for housing dissidents and political prisoners, including opposition politicians, activists, lawyers, journalists, and students.
According to Asghar Jahangir, a spokesman for Iran’s judiciary, among the deceased were detainees, visiting relatives, and prison staff members. Jahangir did not disclose the identities of the victims, raising concerns among families of detainees who have been unable to contact their loved ones since the incident.
Israel's Defense Ministry declined to comment on the report, and the Israeli military has not responded to requests for information. The claims made by Jahangir have not been independently verified.
In context, the Israeli military targeted Evin Prison as part of a broader operation that included strikes on other locations, such as the headquarters of the Basij, a volunteer force associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, known for its harsh crackdowns on protests in Iran.
The situation in Iran remains precarious following a recent 12-day conflict involving Israel and the U.S., with analysts questioning how a country facing severe economic challenges will respond to what its president has termed “a golden opportunity for change.”
A federal appeals court in New Orleans is set to review whether President Trump can invoke the Alien Enemies Act to advance his mass deportation agenda. This case is expected to move toward the Supreme Court, where justices will assess the legality of Trump’s actions, a matter that has caused legal uncertainty across the country for several months.
The Alien Enemies Act, enacted in 1798 during a period of tension with France, has historically been utilized sparingly, allowing for the detention and expulsion of individuals from hostile nations. Trump utilized this legislation to target and deport numerous immigrants he alleged were connected to Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan street gang.
In a significant military escalation, Ukraine reported that Russia launched its largest air assault to date, employing hundreds of drones and missiles. Strikes were noted across various infrastructure targets within Ukraine, including regions that are typically less affected by such attacks. While civilian casualties remain unconfirmed, the Ukrainian air force reported that one pilot died while attempting to intercept the assault.
The Ukrainian air force indicated that Russia deployed 537 drones and missiles overnight, marking the highest number recorded in a single night since the onset of the conflict.