"Zionist traitors": Iran, intelligence announces 97 arrests and dismantles several armed cells

The Iranian Ministry of Intelligence announced the arrest of 97 people, accused of being "Zionist traitors", and the killing of an individual described as a notorious criminal, during a large-scale security operation conducted in various areas of the country. According to reports from Tehran authorities and relayed by the Fars news agency, the arrested individuals allegedly acted under the presumed guidance of the United States and Israel with the aim of sowing chaos and carrying out targeted killings within national borders.

The government offensive led to the seizure of a significant quantity of firearms and ammunition. In particular, the official statement reports the dismantling of five armed cells in the southwestern province of Khuzestan, overlooking the Persian Gulf, where security forces confiscated two Kalashnikov assault rifles, ten high-potential homemade explosives, and various ammunition.

The intelligence operations also extended to the southeastern regions. In this area, the ministry confirmed the arrest of thirteen alleged spies and the dismantling of the terrorist cell led by Nematollah Shahbakhsh, known by the alias Jamuk. This latest intervention was carried out through a joint operation involving the General Directorate of Intelligence of Sistan and Baluchistan province, the police forces, and the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.