IRGC claims breakup of alleged foreign spy networks

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it has dismantled intelligence networks allegedly linked to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel across three provinces, according to a report by Fars.

In a statement, the IRGC’s Intelligence Organisation said the operations took place in East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran provinces.

Those detained are accused of “espionage, creating covert networks, and preparing sabotage aimed at provoking mass unrest.”

According to the report, 69 individuals linked to Israel were arrested in Mazandaran. In Kerman, authorities detained 51 people, including members of three alleged “spy groups” and individuals described as agents of a media network. In East Azerbaijan province, seven people were detained on suspicion of collecting coordinates of strategic facilities.

The IRGC said that during searches of the suspects’ hideouts, security forces seized firearms and specialised radio-technical equipment.

According to the statement, the objective of the alleged networks was to destabilise the internal situation in Iran and undermine the country’s economic security.

By Tamilla Hasanova