Iran arrests 52 over alleged collaboration with Israel

Dozens of individuals have been arrested in Iran on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, Iranian news agency Fars.

"At least 52 people have been detained in Iran on charges of manipulating public opinion, possessing drones or drone components, filming sensitive sites, and sending footage to opposition media," the report stated.

The agency noted that such arrests are steadily increasing in both Iran and Israel, amid the escalating military confrontation between the two countries. The United States has also begun to play a more active role in the conflict, further intensifying tensions across the region.

Since June 13, amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and Israel, Iranian authorities have launched a sweeping internal security campaign targeting individuals suspected of espionage or collaboration with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

In a similar bust, on June 21, Iranian authorities detained 22 individuals in Qom Province on charges of being linked to Israel’s spy services, disturbing public opinion, and supporting Israel. This followed the arrest of 24 people on June 20 for spying and tarnishing Iran’s image, including one European national.

The Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights said that at least 223 (excluding today's 52) individuals have been arrested across the country over alleged collaboration with 'Israeli' intelligence. The group warned, however, that the true number may be significantly higher, given the opacity surrounding such cases.

By Khagan Isayev