Tehran, Aug 13 (V7N) – Iranian police have arrested nearly 21,000 people during the country’s 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States in June, state media reported.

The arrests followed a wave of Israeli airstrikes beginning June 13, which killed hundreds of civilians, including senior Iranian military officials and scientists. The U.S. also carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in support of Israel. Authorities launched a nationwide security crackdown, with roadside checkpoints, intensified surveillance, and appeals for citizens to report suspicious activity.

Police spokesman Saeed Montazerolmahdi said public tip-offs surged by 41%, leading to the arrests. He did not specify the charges but noted that 261 people were detained on espionage suspicions, and 172 for unauthorized filming. Iran has already executed seven men convicted of spying for Israel since the conflict ended in late June.

The crackdown has also targeted undocumented Afghan refugees, with 2,774 detained and 30 cases flagged as “special security” following phone checks. Aid agencies report that some Afghan nationals have been accused of spying.

Authorities also investigated over 5,700 cybercrime cases, including online fraud and illegal fund withdrawals, describing cyberspace as “a major battlefield” during the war.

Source: Al Jazeera

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