Iran arrests four over alleged US and ‘Israeli’ intelligence cooperation
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Iran says four individuals were arrested in Jolfa county over alleged intelligence collaboration with US and ‘Israeli’-linked networks.
- Authorities also detained two foreign nationals accused of smuggling Starlink internet equipment.
Iranian authorities in Jolfa county, located in northwestern Iran, said they have arrested four individuals accused of cooperating with networks linked to the United States and ‘Israel’, according to a statement from the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s office.
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Officials said the group was identified through what they described as surveillance and intelligence monitoring operations carried out by local security services.
The prosecutor said the alleged network was “completely dismantled” following the arrests.
Allegations of data sharing and covert communication
According to the statement, one of the suspects is a local resident accused of transmitting sensitive information to what Iranian authorities described as hostile satellite-linked networks.
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A second suspect was accused of conducting intelligence-related activities and communicating through unauthorized international internet platforms, which officials said were used to bypass domestic monitoring systems.
No details were provided on the nature of the alleged intelligence or the timeframe of the activity.
Foreign nationals detained over Starlink equipment
Authorities also said two foreign nationals were detained in connection with the case.
They are accused of smuggling Starlink satellite internet equipment into Iran, which officials claim was used to support covert communications and intelligence-gathering activities.
Iran has previously expressed concern over satellite-based internet systems, arguing they could be used to bypass state controls on communications.
Broader security context
The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased sensitivity in Iran over espionage-related cases involving foreign intelligence agencies.
Iranian authorities frequently report arrests tied to alleged intelligence cooperation with foreign actors, particularly in periods of heightened geopolitical confrontation.
