Iran claims dismantling spy network linked to US and Israeli intelligence

Iran announced on Tuesday that it has dismantled an extensive espionage network allegedly run by Israeli and American intelligence services, just months after a period of direct conflict between the Islamic Republic and its declared enemy, Israel.

The announcement was made by the intelligence division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the ideological army of the Iranian regime, in a statement broadcast on state television. "A network... led by American and Israeli intelligence services was identified in the country and dismantled," the statement confirmed.

The IRGC added that the operation was "executed in a coordinated manner across several provinces." However, the statement did not provide specific details regarding the date, location of the operations, or the number of arrests made.

The announcement follows a period of heightened hostilities. In June, Israel carried out a series of attacks against Iran, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people, including high-ranking military officials and nuclear scientists. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, which killed more than 25 people.

The United States, a key ally of Israel, also conducted attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities during that time. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel officially took effect on June 24.

In recent months, Iranian authorities have announced multiple arrests for espionage and the execution of several individuals who were convicted of collaborating with the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. Furthermore, a law enacted in October tightens sanctions against people accused of spying for both Israel and the United States.