Iran Arrests Dozens on Charges of 'Spying for Israel' in Recent Days

In a series of simultaneous security operations, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of dozens of individuals on charges of being linked to Israeli intelligence agencies, amidst the recent escalation between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

According to the official Fars news agency, the head of police intelligence in Qom province revealed the arrest of 22 individuals in the past eight days, accusing them of 'being connected to espionage agencies affiliated with the Zionist entity, and causing public unrest.' These arrests came after the start of Israeli airstrikes on June 13.

On the other hand, Mehr news agency quoted the police chief of Bushehr province, Heydar Sosani, confirming the arrest of 9 'agents' linked to Mossad. Sosani praised the 'citizens' cooperation in exposing security violators,' describing them as 'worthy of praise.'

In a related context, Tasnim news agency reported last Thursday the arrest of 24 suspects in western Tehran, on charges of spying 'for the Zionist enemy' online and in real life. The district police chief, Keyumars Azizi, explained that the detainees were 'trying to disturb public opinion and tarnish the image of the Iranian regime.'

Tasnim also revealed on Friday the arrest of a European citizen described as an 'Israeli spy,' without disclosing his identity or details of his arrest.

This security escalation comes at a time when Iranian-Israeli relations are witnessing unprecedented tension, with mutual accusations of espionage and reciprocal targeting.