Counterespionage Operation in Türkiye Targets Iranian Spy Ring
Türkiye’s National Intelligence Agency (MIT) and local counterterrorism officials recently undertook a joint effort across five provinces this week, leading to the detention of six individuals suspected of espionage for Iran.
This group was reportedly focused on Incirlik Air Base, a significant location critical to both Turkish and American military operations.
As reported by local media, the individuals had ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which is recognized as a terrorist entity. One of those arrested is an Iranian named Ashkan Jalali, while the remaining five are Turkish citizens.
According to a pro-government news outlet, there were plans involving Jalali setting up two companies to obtain armed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Türkiye and then transfer them to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and Greek Cyprus. Some of the other detainees are believed to be associated with Jalali’s companies.
Furthermore, it was revealed that Jalali and another suspect, Alikan Kok, engaged in professional drone training in Iran during August and September 2025. Two additional suspects, Erhan Ergelen and Tanner Ozcan, reportedly traveled to Iran in October 2025, participating in a program to deliver drones to Cyprus from Greece.
Cyprus remains divided between Turkish and Greek communities, following a Turkish invasion in 1974 aimed at thwarting Greece’s ambitions to unify the island. The TRNC exists as an unrecognized state, solely acknowledged by Turkey. Historically, Iran has meddled in Cyprus, utilizing the territory to advance its aims.
But the espionage activities didn’t just stop at drone acquisition. Reports indicated that a part of the revenue from commercial drone sales was funneled back into supporting the espionage network. Beyond surveillance efforts targeting Incirlik, there were indications of plans for attacking Iranian dissidents living outside the country.
This entire operation was allegedly overseen by two IRGC operatives known by their codenames “Haji” and “Doctor.” The Iranian embassy in Ankara has not provided any comments regarding the arrests or related allegations.
