Sunday, June 22, 2025 - Iranian authorities have arrested 22 individuals accused of links to Israeli intelligence services, police in Qom province announced on Saturday, June 21, according to state-affiliated Fars news agency.
The arrests, which reportedly took place between June 13 and
June 22, are part of a broader crackdown by Iranian security forces on
individuals suspected of collaborating with foreign intelligence networks.
“Twenty-two people were identified and arrested on charges
of being linked to the Zionist regime’s spy services, disturbing public opinion
and supporting the criminal regime,” Fars reported, citing the head of police
intelligence in Qom province.
The development follows an earlier announcement on Thursday,
June 19, by Iranian police, carried by the Tasnim news agency, stating that 24
other individuals had been arrested for alleged espionage activities and
attempts to tarnish the country's image. A separate report by Tasnim on Friday,
June 20, said a European national had also been detained on charges of spying,
though officials did not disclose the person’s nationality or the timing of the
arrest.
Iran frequently announces the apprehension of individuals it
accuses of espionage, often linking them to Israeli or Western intelligence
agencies. In recent weeks, several of those convicted of espionage have been
executed.
Norway-based rights organisation Iran Human Rights has
reported that at least 223 individuals across Iran have been detained on
suspicion of collaborating with Israel. The group warned that the true number
may be considerably higher due to limited transparency and restricted access to
information.
Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high, with both
nations accusing each other of covert operations and cyber activities. Iranian
authorities have intensified internal surveillance and security operations amid
heightened geopolitical pressure and ongoing regional instability.
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