Fire has broken out massively at Iran's notorious Evin prison, known for holding political prisoners, journalists and foreign nationals, reports BBC.
Videos shared online show flames and smoke at the site in Tehran, and gunshots and explosions can be heard.
An Irannian official told at the state media that the situation was under control, but video footage appeared to show the flame is still visible .
Iran has been rattled for weeks by anti-government protests.
They first erupted last month after the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian Mahsa Amini in police custody. Officials said she died of a heart attack, but her family disputed this, saying she was beaten by morality police.
BBC Persian's Rana Rahimpour said it is not yet known whether the situation at the prison is linked to the recent demonstrations.
But this could easily be the case, Rana said, as hundreds of the protesters have been sent to Evin.
However, Iran’s state media has suggested the two are not linked, quoting an official who blamed "criminal elements" for the fire.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
