Iran Detains 500 Individuals on Espionage Claims

(MENAFN) Iranian authorities have taken 500 people into custody on allegations of espionage since the start of military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel, the country’s police chief said on Sunday.

According to reports, Brigadier General Ahmadreza Radan stated that those arrested were suspected of “spying for the enemy and hostile media.”

Radan said 250 of those detained “provided intelligence to the London-based broadcaster Iran International, including information about targeted sites.”

He also alleged that the individuals had connections with armed groups and were involved in attempts to disrupt public order. He referred to them as “spies” who had passed information “to the enemy and hostile media outlets,” according to reports.

Reports also noted that Iranian authorities previously designated Iran International TV as a “terrorist organization in 2022,” accusing the broadcaster of spreading misleading information during anti-government protests and encouraging demonstrators to carry out acts of violence. Authorities also announced the seizure of assets belonging to its staff inside Iran.

The arrests come as the United States and Israel have continued joint attacks on Iran since Feb. 28. According to reports, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of around 1,300 people, including the country’s then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Reports say Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf countries, stating that the attacks are aimed at US military assets. The escalation has caused casualties, damaged some civilian infrastructure and disrupted global markets and aviation operations.

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