Web Desk | June 21st 2025
Iranian authorities announced over the last week the arrest of 22 individuals suspected of collaborating with Israeli intelligence, as tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem worsen into an intelligence war. These arrests form part of Tehran’s intensified campaign to combat possible Mossad operations on Iranian territory.
Tasnim news agency reported that those arrested were charged with both online and offline espionage, including efforts to “tarnish public opinion” and undermine national security. Kiumars Azizi, chief of West Tehran police, stated the suspects were engaged in “Zionist spying”, damaging Iran’s international image while “spying for Israel.” [Facebook | The Guardian | Alarabiya.net =4].
Regional and international outlets citing Iranian media reported on arrests that occurred across multiple provinces. Authorities claimed to have confiscated drones, explosive materials, electronic devices and surveillance equipment during coordinated raids conducted across various localities; two suspects from Alborz province allegedly manufacturing explosive traps while planning drone operations were apprehended as part of these arrests; they may have also planned drone operations themselves. For more information visit: today.lorientlejour.com umplut thenationalnews.com + 1
Tehran police recently arrested six women near Qasr-e Shirin on suspicion of Israeli intelligence activity, accused of spying for Israel. These arrests can also be found here and here (via Arabic.alarabiya.net and MiddleEastmonitor respectively) for further scrutiny by middle eastmonitor and facebook respectively (both sites offering additional coverage on this topic).
Iranian state media have recently published videos depicting interrogations sessions and seizure of materials seized, in what some analysts refer to as an orchestrated propaganda campaign meant to strengthen support for Iran’s hardline stance (ynetnews.com).
The National provided a breakdown of earlier arrests between June 14 and 18 as authorities claim they dismantled multiple terrorist teams across Tehran, Alborz, Isfahan, Lorestan and other provinces. 200 kg of explosives, 23 drones, makeshift workshops and unflagged pickup trucks equipped with surveillance gear were discovered during these arrests.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head has reportedly advised anyone possessing or having access to espionage tools or supplies to turn themselves in for amnesty immediately – or risk facing severe penalties later. ynetnews.com.
Israel has not issued an official response to Tehran’s allegations; however, sources speaking with Ynet suggested Iran’s arrest announcements are more of a performance art piece intended to show strength against recent high-stakes covert Israeli operations within Iran. One Israeli official described them as “fabricated propaganda.” For more on this story visit ynetnews.com
Observers note that these events resemble Iran’s longstanding counterintelligence strategies. Thirteen Iranian Jews were arrested and accused of spying for Mossad in 1999–an event which later formed part of an overall campaign by the Islamic Republic against dissident groups and suspected foreign influence (Wikipedia).
Analysts note that Iran’s increased public arrests, coupled with calls for citizen vigilance, represent their strategy to maintain public support amid external pressures. By staging symbolic victories–real or faked–Tehran intends to build regime legitimacy and discourage domestic collaboration with foreign adversaries.
Key Takeaways
In total, 22 suspects have been arrested – two alleged bomb-makers from Alborz and six women near Qasr-e Shirin who are suspected of intelligence collaboration (ynetnews.com; middleeastmonitor.com and today.lorientlejour.com, along with two alleged bomb makers from Alborz). For more details visit middleeastmonitor.com (or on MiddleEast Monitor and Lorient Le Journal websites for example) as well as TheNationalNews (both sources cited above).
Material Seizures Included Unexploded Ordnance, Drones, Electronic Surveillance Equipment and Bomb-making components as well as Launch Sites and Pick-Up Trucks.
Propaganda element: Tehran’s release of interrogation footage and public amnesty offers indicates a deliberate effort to strengthen regime messaging.
Israeli Reaction: Israeli officials dismiss the wave of arrests as manufactured, attributing them as Tehran’s response to Mossad activity (ynetnews.com).
As hostilities escalate, ongoing intelligence bickering serves as a stark reminder of regional security dynamics’ fragility. Tehran may be gearing up for a wider propaganda confrontation while Israeli covert operations increase.