DUBAI, March 10 (Reuters) - Iran has arrested dozens including a foreign national for allegedly spying for the country's "enemies", the Intelligence Ministry said on Tuesday, amid a continued war with
Iran Arrests Dozens, Including Foreign National Linked to US and Israel in Espionage Case
Overview of Recent Espionage Arrests in Iran
Details of the Arrests
DUBAI, March 10 (Reuters) - Iran has arrested dozens including a foreign national for allegedly spying for the country's "enemies", the Intelligence Ministry said on Tuesday, amid a continued war with the U.S. and Israel.
Context of US and Israel Involvement
The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran on February 28, killing the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several commanders.
Iran's Retaliatory Actions
During the ongoing conflict, Iran has launched retaliatory strikes against Gulf countries that are U.S. allies and host American military bases.
Espionage Allegations and Foreign National's Role
Without identifying the arrested person's nationality, Iran's Intelligence Ministry said the foreign national "was conducting espionage on behalf of the United States and Israel, and acting as a proxy for two Gulf countries," according to state media.
History of Espionage Arrests in Iran
In the past years, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps have arrested dozens of dual nationals and foreigners, mostly on espionage and security-related charges.
International Criticism and Iran's Response
Rights groups have accused the Islamic Republic of trying to win concessions from other countries through arrests on security charges that may have been trumped up. Tehran denies arresting people for political reasons.
Additional Arrests and Official Statements
The ministry also said "30 spies, internal mercenaries, and operational agents of Israel and the U.S." had been arrested over the past few days.
Police Chief's Comments
Separately, Iran's Police chief Ahmadreza Radan told state TV that some 81 people had been detained so far for "sharing internal Iranian information with hostile media and enemies". He did not give further information.
(Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Alexandra Hudson, Parisa Hafezi and Stephen Coates)
