Iran foils alleged US spy ring, monarchist cells in West Azerbaijan

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has conducted a series of nationwide operations that uncovered and apprehended cells of monarchists and individuals allegedly cooperating with foreign intelligence services, Tasnim News Agency reports.

The ministry stated that a total of 111 monarchist cells were identified and arrested across 26 provinces. During the operations, authorities seized firearms, melee weapons, stun guns, and batons.

In the provinces of Hamadan and West Azerbaijan, four individuals were detained on suspicion of spying for the United States. They are accused of providing sensitive information regarding the locations of headquarters, equipment, and security force positions.

The raids also uncovered two weapons caches containing combat-grade arms, including 29 pistols, 2 Kalashnikov rifles, and 58 magazines, highlighting the scale of the alleged espionage and armed activity.

By Vafa Guliyeva