Iranian security forces on July 20 conducted a sweeping operation in the western province of Ilam, arresting 17 mercenaries believed to be connected to US and Israeli intelligence agencies.
According to a statement from the Fars news agency, those detained were plotting subversive activities and seeking to destabilize security in the region. The operation was carried out under the direction of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and local security forces.
The arrested gunmen confessed to links with foreign intelligence organizations, including the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel's Mossad. Weapons and communications equipment were seized at the scene.
This is one of the largest recent operations targeting foreign intelligence networks inside Iran. The Tehran administration routinely accuses the US and Israel of conducting espionage and sabotage aimed at undermining national security.
Analysts say the arrests could heighten regional tensions, which have escalated in recent months due to confrontations between Iran and Israel in Syria as well as cyberattacks.
