Tehran, June 25 (V7N) – Iran’s security forces have arrested 700 individuals over the past 12 days, accusing them of working as spies for Israel amid escalating tensions following recent military clashes. This was reported by Iran’s state-run Fars News Agency on Wednesday (June 25), with US media outlet CNN also covering the story.

According to the Fars report, the detainees, labeled as "Israeli mercenaries," were primarily linked to alleged spy networks operating across various provinces including Kermanshah, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Fars, and Lorestan. The exact number of arrests in the capital Tehran has not been disclosed.

The arrests were based on intelligence operations combined with tips from local residents. The move reflects heightened security measures by the Iranian government amid fears of infiltration and espionage.

Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad has previously admitted to conducting covert operations inside Iran as part of a campaign codenamed “Operation Rising Lion.” On June 13, prior to Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian targets, Mossad released footage showing its agents preparing drone strikes from within Iran.

These developments have reportedly fueled a wave of paranoia within Iran’s security establishment. The government has intensified crackdowns not only on suspected spies but also on citizens posting content favorable to Israel on social media. Those accused face charges related to "disturbing the psychological security of society."

To enhance surveillance, a new specialized unit has been formed within Tehran’s prosecutor’s office dedicated to monitoring media and private social media activities for signs of espionage.

Separately, other Iranian state media outlets have claimed that several “Israeli spies” have been sentenced to death since the outbreak of the conflict, although these reports could not be independently verified.

END/SMA/AJ