Iranian authorities have arrested 22 individuals in the central province of Qom, accusing them of collaborating with Israeli intelligence services and destabilising public order, Fars News Agency reported on Saturday.
According to the head of police intelligence in Qom, the arrests were made since June 13, coinciding with a period of heightened regional tensions.
The suspects are accused of being connected to what officials described as the “Zionist regime’s spy network,” as well as spreading propaganda and supporting a hostile regime.
The announcement follows a similar development on Thursday, when Iranian police said they had detained 24 others in West Tehran, allegedly involved in espionage activities aimed at damaging Iran’s public image and national security, according to Tasnim News Agency.
On Friday, Tasnim also reported the arrest of a European national, described only as an Israeli “spy.” Authorities have not disclosed the individual’s nationality, identity, or the circumstances of the arrest.
Iran has long accused Israel of conducting covert operations and espionage within its borders, and frequently announces the arrest of individuals allegedly linked to Israeli intelligence. In recent weeks, several convicted spies have reportedly been executed.
According to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based NGO, at least 223 people have been detained nationwide on charges related to collaboration with Israel — though the group cautions that the actual number could be significantly higher due to limited transparency.
The latest arrests underscore growing security crackdowns amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv, with Iran increasingly framing internal dissent and cyber operations as part of a broader foreign-backed destabilisation campaign.
