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In the aftermath of the recent hostilities between Iran and Israel, Iranian authorities have reportedly conducted a series of arrests and executions targeting individuals suspected of collaborating with Israeli intelligence agencies.
These actions follow what Iranian officials have described as an unprecedented infiltration of the nation’s security apparatus by Israeli operatives.
Authorities suspect that intelligence provided to Israel played a role in a series of high-profile assassinations during the conflict, including the targeted killings of senior commanders from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and nuclear scientists. Iran has attributed these acts to operatives from Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency operating within the country.
In response to these events, Iranian authorities have focused on individuals suspected of working with foreign intelligence agencies, citing national security concerns.
However, critics express concern that these actions may also serve to suppress dissent and consolidate government control.
During the conflict, Iranian authorities executed three individuals on charges of espionage for Israel. Shortly after a ceasefire was reached, three more individuals were executed on similar charges.
Officials have since announced the arrest of hundreds of suspects across the country on accusations of espionage. State television has broadcast purported confessions from several detainees, allegedly admitting to collaboration with Israeli intelligence.
Human rights organizations have voiced concerns about these developments, citing Iran’s history of extracting forced confessions and conducting unfair trials. There are fears that further executions may occur.
Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence asserts it is engaged in an ongoing effort against Western and Israeli intelligence networks, including the CIA, Mossad, and MI6.
According to Fars News Agency, affiliated with the IRGC, an “Israeli spy network” became “highly active” inside Iran following the onset of the conflict on June 13. Fars reported that Iranian intelligence and security forces arrested over 700 individuals linked to this network during the 12-day period.
Reports indicate that Iranians have received warning text messages from the intelligence ministry, stating that their phone numbers appeared on social media pages related to Israel and instructing them to disengage or face prosecution.
The Iranian government has also reportedly increased pressure on journalists working for Persian-language media outlets abroad, including BBC Persian, Iran International, and Manoto TV.
Iran International reports that the IRGC detained the family members of one of its TV presenters in Tehran, allegedly to pressure her into resigning over the channel’s coverage of the conflict. The presenter reportedly received a phone call from her father, prompted by security agents, urging her to quit and warning of potential consequences.
Threats directed at BBC Persian journalists and their families have reportedly intensified. Security officials have allegedly contacted families, claiming that targeting family members as hostages is justified in a wartime context, and have labeled the journalists as “mohareb” — a term meaning ‘one who wages war against God’ — a charge that can carry the death penalty under Iranian law.
Manoto TV has reported similar incidents, including threats against employees’ families and demands to sever ties with the outlet. Some relatives were reportedly threatened with charges such as “enmity against God” and espionage – both capital offenses under Iranian law.
Analysts interpret these tactics as part of a broader effort to silence dissent and intimidate media workers in exile.
Security forces have also reportedly detained activists, writers, and artists, often without formal charges. There are also reports of arrests targeting family members of individuals killed during the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests.
These actions suggest a broader campaign aimed at current activists, as well as those connected to past periods of unrest.
During the conflict, the Iranian government reportedly restricted internet access. While a ceasefire has been implemented, full access has not yet been restored. Limiting internet access during crises, particularly during periods of domestic unrest, has become a recurring strategy. Additionally, most major social networks and news websites remain blocked in Iran and require the use of VPNs for access.
Human rights advocates and political observers have drawn comparisons to the 1980s, when Iranian authorities suppressed political opposition during the Iran-Iraq War.
Concerns are being raised that, facing a weakened international position after the conflict with Israel, Iranian authorities may resort to mass arrests, executions, and increased repression.
Critics highlight the events of 1988, during which thousands of political prisoners were reportedly executed following brief, secretive trials by “death commissions,” with victims buried in unmarked mass graves.
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