Iranian authorities have arrested at least 20 people in the country’s northwest on suspicion of collaborating with Israel, local media reported.
The arrests occurred in West Azerbaijan Province, during raids targeting networks allegedly sending sensitive information to Israel, according to provincial prosecutor Hossein Majidi.
Accusations of Espionage
The authorities claimed the suspects were “sending details of military, law enforcement, and security locations to the Zionist enemy.”
Recent media reports indicate that hundreds of people across Iran have been detained in similar operations targeting suspected collaborators with Israel and the United States.
Context: Middle East Conflict
The arrests come in the wake of the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran on February 28, which killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered Iranian retaliatory measures.
Officials also reported the arrest of an individual accused of sending information to the London-based TV channel Iran International using a Starlink terminal, technology banned in the country.
Digital Restrictions
Since the outbreak of the conflict, Iran has imposed a complete internet blackout, effectively isolating the country online. Some residents have attempted to bypass restrictions using satellite internet systems such as Starlink.
In January 2026, Iran officially banned collaboration with Iran International, labeling it as “affiliated with the Zionist regime.”
Ongoing Security Measures
Authorities continue to conduct sweeping operations across the country to identify and arrest individuals suspected of sharing sensitive military or security information with foreign powers.
The Iranian government warns that such collaboration will face strict legal consequences amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
