Israel's military "is currently striking regime targets and state repression organs in the heart of Tehran with an unprecedented force", said Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday.
He also confirmed that Evin prison had been attacked.
The Israeli military said on Monday afternoon that more than 50 fighter jets had struck military targets in Tehran, according to BBC. Among other things, infrastructure for storing rockets has been attacked. In addition, production facilities for rockets and radar have been attacked.
Iranian media showed pictures of smoke after large explosions mainly in the northern parts of the multimillion city. Facilities belonging to the security service and the Revolutionary Guard have been attacked, according to Israeli defense information, as well as a number of militias and groups under its umbrella.
Rockets against Israel
In the notorious Evin prison, many political prisoners are held, including the Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali. In a video clip published by the state Iranian media, it looks like the entrance has been completely destroyed. The attack is said to have been directed against the administrative parts of the facility.
Israel has also attacked the enrichment facility Fordo, according to information in Iranian media reported by AFP. The goal is to cut off transport routes to and from Fordo, according to the Israeli military.
On Monday morning, six airports in different locations in Iran were attacked. A total of 15 aircraft and helicopters are said to have been destroyed during the Israeli attacks. Runways and bunkers were also damaged. Some airports in Iran are for combined military and civilian use.
Shortly afterwards, Israel warned of a large-scale incoming rocket attack. Initially, the IDF estimated that it was about 15 rockets, but it was later reduced to about half.
The Knesset, the Israeli parliament, interrupted its work and members rushed to the shelters, writes The Times of Israel. After about half an hour, the danger was over. But rockets or rocket parts are said to have triggered fires and power outages in several places.
Repeats threats
Since the US over the weekend entered the war on Israel's side, Iran is repeating previous threats. Defense spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari has addressed, in English, directly to US President Donald Trump.
Mr Trump, the gambler, you may have started this war, says Zolfaqari in a video statement, according to media in the Middle East.
But it will be us who finish it.
