Iran executes six, arrests hundreds accused of links with ‘Israeli spy network’

Iranian authorities have executed six people accused of spying for Israel and arrested more than 700 suspects in a widening crackdown following the recent 12-day conflict between the two countries, according to the BBC.

Three executions occurred during the conflict, with three more carried out on Wednesday, one day after the ceasefire. State television has broadcast alleged confessions from several detainees purportedly admitting collaboration with Israeli intelligence.

The Fars News Agency, affiliated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported that intelligence and security forces arrested “more than 700 individuals linked to this network” since Israel’s attack began on 13 June.

Iranian officials describe the arrests as targeting an unprecedented infiltration of Iranian security services by Israeli agents. Authorities suspect information provided to Israel facilitated high-profile assassinations during the conflict, including senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists.

Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence claims engagement in a “relentless battle” against Western and Israeli intelligence networks, including the CIA, Mossad, and MI6.

The crackdown has extended beyond alleged spies to target journalists, activists, and dissidents. Iranian authorities have detained family members of BBC Persian and Iran International television presenters to pressure resignations over conflict coverage.

According to Iran International, the IRGC detained the mother, father, and brother of one presenter in Tehran. The presenter received a phone call from her father, prompted by security agents, urging her resignation and warning of consequences.

Iranian security officials have told families of BBC Persian journalists they are justified in targeting relatives as hostages during wartime, labelling journalists as “mohareb” – meaning ‘one who wages war against God’ – a charge carrying the death penalty under Iranian law.

Security forces have also detained dozens of activists, writers and artists, often without formal charges. Reports indicate arrests targeting family members of those killed during 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” anti-government protests.

Iranians have reported receiving warning text messages from the intelligence ministry stating their phone numbers appeared on Israeli-related social media pages, instructing them to leave or face prosecution.

Internet access remains severely restricted following wartime limitations, with social networks including Instagram, Telegram, X and YouTube remaining blocked alongside news websites such as BBC Persian.