Iran has launched a massive crackdown on suspected spies and infiltrators, detaining hundreds of people and speeding up trials and executions for those deemed guilty. The campaign comes as the country is reeling from the impact of recent Israeli attacks.
The Iranian authorities have enlisted the public’s help in identifying potential threats, using tactics such as reporting stolen license plates or wearing certain accessories. However, human rights groups warn that this could be a broader crackdown on political opponents and minorities.
Analysts say that Iran’s intelligence failures are partly due to Israel’s history of infiltrating the country, which has been demonstrated by the recent Israeli strikes. Iranian officials claim that Israel’s foreign intelligence service, the Mossad, is behind some of the attacks, using operatives on the ground and evidence of miniature drones in Tehran.
The campaign has raised concerns about the treatment of certain groups, including ethnic and religious minorities, opposition figures, and foreigners, who have been detained without warrants and subjected to expedited trials. Amnesty International has called this a “misguided attempt to project strength.”
Iran’s government has vowed to continue its “intelligence jihad” against Israeli operatives, but some moderate politicians see an opportunity for change after the recent unity among the people following the war.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/28/world/middleeast/iran-israel-conflict-spies.html