Iran Detains 97 Over Alleged Links to Israel in Broad Security Operation

(SeaPRwire) –   According to state media reports on Thursday, Iran’s intelligence ministry has detained 97 people accused of being “soldiers of Israel.”

Reuters said the arrests are part of the country’s latest security crackdown, which has led to hundreds of detentions since the war began over alleged ties to Israel and the United States.

Earlier Thursday, state media also quoted the police commander of Alborz province as saying 41 people were arrested for sending videos to foreign-based opposition media channels.

Per Reuters, on March 10, Iran’s intelligence ministry also reported arresting a foreign national along with 30 others it described as spies, internal mercenaries and operational agents of Israel and the U.S.

The latest wave of arrests followed the assassination of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, in a targeted Israeli strike in Tehran.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Khatib’s death on March 18—10 days after the start of Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion, both aimed at the Iranian regime.

Under Khatib, the intelligence ministry’s role expanded significantly, and it now operates extensive informant networks across universities, media organizations, minority communities and activist circles nationwide.

Its agents identify protest organizers, monitor communications and conduct interrogations, according to The Jerusalem Post.

On March 12, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) also said Iranian authorities had arrested nearly 200 people on charges related to the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic.

HRANA said the charges include alleged social media activity, sending content to foreign media outlets, espionage and disturbing public order, adding that its count was based on official reports.