Iran Arrests Suspected “Israeli Soldiers”

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has detained 97 individuals on the allegation of being “Israeli soldiers,” according to reports from state media. This move is part of a broader crackdown, with hundreds arrested under suspicions of connections to Israel and the U.S. amid ongoing conflicts.

Additionally, it was noted that earlier on the same day, 41 people were taken into custody for allegedly sending videos to opposition media outlets located outside of Iran. This information came from the Alborz provincial police commander.

In a related development, the Ministry of Intelligence mentioned on March 10 that they had apprehended 30 foreigners, believed to be spies working for Israeli and American interests, as well as local mercenaries.

The rise in arrests followed the assassination of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, reportedly in a targeted Israeli operation in Tehran. Khatib’s death was acknowledged by Israel’s Defense Minister on March 18, approximately ten days after the initiation of military actions aimed at the Iranian regime.

Under Khatib’s leadership, the Ministry of Information had substantially expanded its reach, overseeing an extensive network that included universities, media outlets, minority communities, and activist organizations throughout the country. Its agents were actively involved in identifying protest organizers, as well as monitoring and interrogating them.

Moreover, on March 12, the Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the U.S., reported that nearly 200 individuals had been detained for charges linked to the conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against the Islamic Republic. These allegations cover a range of activities, including social media engagement, sharing content with foreign media, espionage, and disruptions to public order.