Iran claims to dismantle major spy network across 25 provinces

Iranian authorities have dismantled what they describe as a large-scale espionage network operating across the country, with 85 suspects detained, national police chief confirmed.

General Ahmad-Reza Radan said the operation was conducted nationwide and targeted a network allegedly linked to foreign intelligence services, Tasnim news agency reports.

“A major spy network operating in 25 provinces and linked to enemy intelligence structures was identified and dismantled,” he said.

Radan stated that those arrested were involved in gathering and transmitting sensitive information. “During these coordinated operations, 85 members of this network were detained. They were involved in collecting and transmitting information about strategically important facilities and locations… These individuals, with the aim of facilitating hostile actions, passed information to the enemy—American and Zionist structures—including the locations of facilities and infrastructure serving the population, checkpoints, and sites where security forces are stationed, for use in military operations,” he said.

Authorities reported seizing specialized electronic equipment, including Starlink devices, along with weapons and ammunition during the arrests.

Radan added that investigations are ongoing and indicated that further details would be disclosed. “Confessions of the accused and details of their links and cooperation with the enemy will be published in the near future,” he said.

The police chief also highlighted the role of public cooperation in the operation, noting that many leads came from tips submitted to the emergency police service center, 110.

By Vafa Guliyeva