Iran arrests 39 people accused of working for US and ‘Israel’

• Iranian state television reported the arrest of 39 people in Qazvin province, accusing them of working for the United States and ‘Israel’.
• Authorities accused the detainees of setting fire to homes, businesses, banks, vehicles and a fuel station, as well as looting shops and government buildings.

Iranian authorities have arrested 39 people in Qazvin province, accusing them of working for the United States and ‘Israel’ and participating in acts of arson and looting during unrest earlier this year, Iranian state television reported.

The broadcaster, citing the intelligence department in Qazvin province, said the suspects were members of eight organized groups allegedly involved in attacks on public and private property.

According to the report, the detainees were accused of setting fire to homes, large commercial establishments, banks, public and private vehicles, and a fuel station. They were also accused of looting shops and government buildings.

Iranian state television described the unrest as an attempted “coup” that took place at the beginning of the year. The report did not disclose the identities of the suspects, provide details of the evidence against them, or clarify whether formal charges had been filed.

The arrests come amid a broader campaign by Iranian authorities against individuals accused of cooperating with foreign governments or supporting activities deemed a threat to national security.

In a separate case reported on October 3, Iranian authorities announced the arrest of 31 people in Sirjan, in Kerman province, on allegations of working with the United States and ‘Israel’ to foment unrest and carry out sabotage. Authorities also accused those detainees of involvement in attacks on government offices and banks during January’s unrest.

The cases reflect Tehran’s continued focus on alleged foreign involvement in domestic unrest. However, the accusations in both cases were reported by Iranian authorities and have not been independently established in the available reporting.