Iranian authorities have arrested hundreds of individuals across Iran on allegations they are connected with an expansive espionage network tied to Israel’s Mossad, according to state media reports. These arrests come as part of a widening security crackdown as a response to Israeli strikes and escalated tensions with Jerusalem.
According to The Financial Times, Basij paramilitaries of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps–an armed volunteer volunteer force–have enhanced cooperation between police and their Basij paramilitaries on major roads and checkpoints throughout Iran. Basij claim to have apprehended hundreds of suspected spies working as truck drivers or laborers across major roads or checkpoints across Iran accused of smuggling drone components illegally into Iran as well as providing real time intelligence reports to Israeli agents in real time ftcom
One Basij volunteer reported that new joint Basij-police checkpoints have appeared on city outskirts, targeting SUVs, vans and trucks suspected of carrying explosives or reconnaissance equipment (Ft.com).
Similar measures recall an aggressive wartime posture not seen since the initial years of 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Israel’s airstrikes as part of “Operation Rising Lion”–aimed at Iranian nuclear and military targets–have raised tensions further, with Iranian officials alleging that detained individuals provided ground support to Israeli operations by identifying strategic targets, providing drone parts and explosive material, or providing ground level support (Ft.com/Twitter, Wikipedia and The Sun all provide such lists as examples of this).
State-affiliated news agencies report that two men have already been executed for espionage, accused of operating cyber networks for Mossad and receiving payment through cryptocurrency (ft.com).
Khuzestan alone witnessed 54 arrests of suspected operatives accused of supporting and gathering intelligence for enemy factions; these detentions are listed by Khuzestan prosecutors as supporting and gathering information for them, according to Ynetnews.com (+6), Aa.com.tr (+6) and FT.com (+6)
Since June 13 in Qom Province, police reported the arrest of 22 suspects. For this story go here and here
Meanwhile, Ynet News reports Iran executed three more individuals found to have collaborated with Israel – part of a total of nearly 700 arrests nationwide linked to “spy” activities (ft.com + 2; ynetnews.com + 2)
Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, Iran’s top judge, stressed rapid judicial handling and described his state as being in “wartime”, saying all espionage cases must be expedited swiftly (FT.com).
While most Iranians support the crackdown, some report mixed feelings. The Basij have played controversial roles in suppressing dissent; one Tehran resident described their reappearance on the streets as both unsettling and somewhat reassuring (FT.com).
International observers warn of potential civil-rights abuses amid Iran’s internet blackout starting June 17 imposed as part of their effort to limit external influence and internal discord.
Experts note Iran’s porous borders and economic vulnerabilities as being vulnerable to infiltration by extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda. Basij units frequently construct roadblocks and conduct vehicle searches while its leaders argue these operations are necessary in order to restore national security (ft.com, 2013).
What will Iran do next? Iran plans to increase prosecutions, with executions or prison sentences likely for those found guilty. The tightened security environment could stifle further dissent while curtailing civil liberties for national defense purposes.
International rights groups are pressuring Iran to adhere to due process and proportionality; while Israel has made no declaration regarding any possible links with this alleged espionage network.
As tensions between Iran and Israel deepen, Tehran’s arrests demonstrate its increasing paranoia–and determination–to combat what it sees as foreign infiltration.