In Video: Inside Iran: Exclusive access to notorious Evin Prison

Iran: A Nation Pushed to the Brink

In the heart of Tehran, the city’s grand mosque reverberated with a fiery sermon, decrying the United States and Israel for their recent military strikes against the country. The preacher condemned the strikes as a crime, and President Trump’s call for surrender was met with a resounding “no” and a chant of “death to America.” Iran is grappling to show strength, but behind the scenes, the war has left its mark.

A Trail of Destruction

For 12 days, the United States and Israel unleashed a relentless barrage of attacks on Iranian targets, extending far beyond the country’s nuclear sites. Our team has been given extraordinary access to places that were once off-limits. In a notorious prison, now largely destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, we witnessed the devastating aftermath. The once-secure facility, which held political prisoners, lay in shambles, with destroyed gates, administrative buildings, and a health clinic.

A Date Stamped Attack

The attack on the prison was meticulously timed. According to local guards, who refused to be filmed, the Israeli strike occurred right at noon, with the clock frozen at 10 minutes to 12. The forensic evidence is stark, with bloodstains on the walls, indicating a brutal and chaotic scene. Iranian officials claim that nearly 80 people were killed, including civilians, in the attack.

Echoes of History

For Iranians, the latest war has reignited the deep-seated tensions with the United States that stretch back decades. The city center is home to the former U.S. embassy, where American diplomats were held hostage, and the walls are now adorned with anti-American murals and propaganda. Yet, within the old embassy compound, a surprising transformation has taken place – a café has been established, where locals can order an “Americano.”

Beyond the Headlines

Behind the rhetoric and political posturing, there is a human side to the conflict. Despite the vast differences between the two nations, individuals on both sides are not consumed by hatred. At the end of the day, people are just people, united by common hopes and fears. As our team ventured deep into the heart of Tehran, we discovered that even in the midst of war, there is a glimmer of hope – a chance for people to connect, to build bridges, and to forge a path towards peace.

You may also like:

In Video: U.S. officials: Iran threatened terror attacks inside U.S. if strikes ordered on nuclear facilities In Video: Trump meets national security team as B-2 bombers head to Guam, Israel-Iran conflict escalates In Video: Iran holds state funerals for military commanders killed by Israeli strikes In Video: Exclusive: One-on-one with Iran's president: Extended Interview