Iranian authorities have arrested 22 individuals accused of links to Israeli intelligence services, police in Qom province announced on Saturday, June 21, according to state-affiliated Fars news agency.
The arrests, which reportedly took place between June 13 and June 22, are part of a broader crackdown by Iranian security forces on individuals suspected of collaborating with foreign intelligence networks.
“Twenty-two people were identified and arrested on charges of being linked to the Zionist regime’s spy services, disturbing public opinion and supporting the criminal regime,” Fars reported, citing the head of police intelligence in Qom province.
The development follows an earlier announcement on Thursday, June 19, by Iranian police, carried by the Tasnim news agency, stating that 24 other individuals had been arrested for alleged espionage activities and attempts to tarnish the country’s image. A separate report by Tasnim on Friday, June 20, said a European national had also been detained on charges of spying, though officials did not disclose the person’s nationality or the timing of the arrest.
Iran frequently announces the apprehension of individuals it accuses of espionage, often linking them to Israeli or Western intelligence agencies. In recent weeks, several of those convicted of espionage have been executed.
Norway-based rights organisation Iran Human Rights has reported that at least 223 individuals across Iran have been detained on suspicion of collaborating with Israel. The group warned that the true number may be considerably higher due to limited transparency and restricted access to information.
Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high, with both nations accusing each other of covert operations and cyber activities. Iranian authorities have intensified internal surveillance and security operations amid heightened geopolitical pressure and ongoing regional instability.
