Iranian authorities have arrested 22 individuals accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence services since the latest flare-up in regional tensions began on June 13, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.
The detainees, all apprehended in Qom province, face charges of “linking with the Zionist regime’s spy services, disturbing public opinion, and supporting the criminal regime,” said the province’s head of police intelligence. The arrests mark the latest in a growing crackdown on suspected espionage as Iran ramps up security measures amid ongoing geopolitical hostilities.
These developments follow a separate announcement on Thursday in which Iranian police reported the detention of 24 other individuals accused of spying for Israel and attempting to tarnish Iran’s image, as reported by the Tasnim news agency. On Friday, Tasnim also confirmed the arrest of a European national on espionage charges, though details such as their identity or the timing of their arrest remain undisclosed.
Iran has a long history of accusing foreign nationals and domestic dissidents of espionage, particularly involving Israel. In recent weeks, the country has intensified its campaign, with multiple executions reported in cases linked to alleged spying.
Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights estimates that at least 223 people have been arrested nationwide on similar charges, though it cautions that the true number may be significantly higher due to limited transparency and state-controlled media coverage.
The Iranian government has not provided evidence to support the latest claims, and the arrests have drawn concern from international observers’ overdue process and human rights.
Written By Rodney Mbua
