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Recent developments in Iran highlight the ongoing tensions between the nation and its perceived adversaries. According to reports from state media on Thursday, Iran’s intelligence ministry has detained 97 individuals accused of acting as “soldiers of Israel.” This move is part of a broader security crackdown that has resulted in the arrest of hundreds allegedly connected to Israel and the United States since the onset of the conflict.
The intensified security measures have also targeted those accused of collaborating with opposition groups. Earlier on Thursday, the police commander of Alborz province announced the arrest of 41 individuals for allegedly sending videos to opposition media outlets operating overseas. This underscores the government’s continued vigilance in monitoring and curbing dissenting voices.
The backdrop to these arrests includes a significant political shift in Iran. On March 10, a billboard in Tehran prominently featured the country’s supreme leaders since 1979, marking the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the new supreme leader, succeeding his father on March 9, 2026. This transition represents a pivotal moment in Iran’s political landscape.
In addition to these arrests, Iran’s intelligence ministry disclosed on March 10 that it had detained a foreign national and 30 others labeled as spies and operational agents working for Israel and the U.S. Such actions reflect the Iranian government’s persistent efforts to counter what it perceives as foreign interference and espionage within its borders.
On March 10, Iran’s intelligence ministry also reported it had arrested a foreign national, along with 30 other people it described as spies, internal mercenaries and operational agents of Israel and the U.S., according to Reuters.
The latest wave of arrests came in the wake of the assassination of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, in a targeted Israeli strike in Tehran.
Khatib’s death was confirmed March 18 by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz 10 days after the start of Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion, both targeting the Iranian regime.
Iran’s Minister of Intelligence Esmaeil Khatib, center, before a speech to members of parliament in Tehran on Aug. 17, 2024. (Atta Kenare/AFP via Getty Images)
Under Khatib, the intelligence ministry’s role broadened significantly, and it now operates extensive informant networks across universities, media organizations, minority communities and activist circles across the country.
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.
The charges include alleged activity on social media, sending content to foreign media outlets, espionage and disturbing public order, HRANA said before adding that its count was based on official reports.