Iran's intelligence ministry logo
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry says it has arrested three agents of Israel’s Mossad in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan.
The statement published late on Wednesday only said these individuals were involved “in the dissemination of classified information and documents", adding they were "arrested by a court order".
The statement didn’t provide any further information about what these individuals did or how they were arrested.
The Islamic Republic periodically announces it has busted “terrorist” or spying networks, but it rarely provides any follow-up news or concrete information and almost never holds public trials. In some cases, individuals convicted of ties with Israel have been executed.
In October, Iran announced that ten people were arrested for “links with intelligence services” of regional “adversaries” without disclosing which intelligence service had established the alleged network inside the country.
The use of the term ‘regional adversary’ could refer to Israel which is suspected of conducting spectacular sabotage acts against Iran’s nuclear, military and strategic economic targets since July 2020, or it could mean Saudi Arabia.
In March, Iran also announced its security forces had dismantled two foreign-backed terrorist teams, alleging plotting to assassinate several foreign nationals working on infrastructure projects in Sistan-Baluchestan province.
Tensions have risen between Israel and Iran as the Biden administration has tried to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement, which Israel considers a dangerous move.