Iranian security forces have arrested two individuals in the northeastern province of North Khorasan on charges of espionage and collaboration with the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, according to a statement by provincial judicial authorities on Monday.

The arrests come as part of a broader, intensified nationwide crackdown on foreign intelligence operations targeting the Islamic Republic. Javad Ilali, the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor of North Khorasan, confirmed the arrests and emphasized the judiciary’s firm commitment to pursuing legal action against individuals working with hostile foreign entities, particularly those tied to recent Israeli and American aggression.

“These arrests are not isolated incidents. They are part of a much larger plot aimed at destabilizing the Islamic Republic through espionage, sabotage, and psychological warfare,” Ilali stated. He further revealed that 15 other individuals in the province are currently under prosecution for spreading false information and propaganda during the recent 12-day escalation across the region.

The developments in North Khorasan come amid a growing wave of arrests across the country targeting Mossad-linked operatives. Over the past several weeks, Iranian intelligence and security services have apprehended dozens of suspects in various provinces, accusing them of working with Israeli intelligence networks to undermine national security.

Notably, Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) announced earlier this month the arrest of 50 Mossad-affiliated agents in the southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan. These operatives were allegedly involved in planning a series of sabotage operations, including drone attacks, bombings, and assassinations aimed at military and economic targets.

The IRGC reported that during the arrests, security forces confiscated large caches of weapons and ammunition, including American-made military equipment, surveillance tools, and explosives. The dismantled cells reportedly operated underground facilities dedicated to drone manufacturing and launching surveillance and strike operations.

Iranian authorities say the operations were part of a coordinated attempt by the Israeli regime, in collaboration with foreign intelligence services, to weaken Iran’s internal stability and economic resilience amid ongoing regional tensions.

Iran has long accused Israel of orchestrating covert operations inside its territory, including the assassinations of scientists, cyberattacks, and support for separatist groups. Tehran has vowed to continue confronting these threats with “decisive and preemptive” measures to safeguard national sovereignty.

The latest wave of arrests signals a hardening of Iran’s internal security posture as tensions remain high with both Tel Aviv and Washington. (ILKHA)