Iran arrests 700 over alleged espionage since conflict escalation with Israel

In the 12 days following the escalation of hostilities between Iran and Israel, Iranian authorities have detained approximately 700 individuals on charges of espionage and alleged collaboration with Israel.

The arrests were reported by Farsna, citing sources within Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), per Caliber.Az.

According to the report, most of the arrests took place in the provinces of Kermanshah, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Fars, and Lorestan. The scale of the operation suggests an extensive internal crackdown amid heightened national security concerns.

In a related development, IRGC sources also reported the seizure of more than 10,000 drones in Tehran alone over recent days. No further details were provided on the origin or intended use of the drones.

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has released a broader estimate, stating that a total of 823 individuals have been detained across the country on political or security-related charges since the flare-up of the conflict.

In addition to the wave of arrests, Iranian authorities executed a man convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. On June 24, the judiciary confirmed that Muhammad Amin Mehdevi Shayesteh was put to death after the Supreme Court upheld his sentence.

According to a written statement released by Iranian judicial officials, Mehdevi Shayesteh had been arrested nearly two years ago. He was accused of working with the London-based opposition media outlet Iran International, as well as leading a cyber group reportedly affiliated with Mossad.

By Tamilla Hasanova