Iranian Judiciary Confirms Arrest of 20 Alleged Mossad Agents

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iran's judiciary has officially confirmed the arrest of 20 individuals accused of being espionage agents and support personnel for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, stating that the cases are now under active investigation and vowing that those found guilty will face decisive sentences intended to serve as a "historical lesson."

The announcement was made by Iran's Judiciary Spokesperson Asghar Jahangir during a press conference on Saturday, according to a detailed report from the IRGC-affiliated Tasnim News Agency.

During the press conference, Jahangir directly addressed a prior statement from Iran's Ministry of Intelligence regarding the arrests in Tehran and other provinces. "Regarding the statement issued by the respected Ministry of Intelligence, which indicated that 20 individuals, including espionage agents, support personnel for Mossad, and their related elements, had been arrested... these cases were immediately formed and are being investigated under the supervision of respected investigative judges," Jahangir stated, as reported by Tasnim.

He added that more information would be released to the public as soon as it is complete.

The judiciary spokesperson, as quoted by Tasnim, also stressed the intricate nature of such cases and the need for a careful and deliberate judicial process. He described the discussion of espionage as "very complex," and noted that espionage crimes, due to their variety, must be handled with care. "The handling of these cases has specific conditions," Jahangir said.

He explained that while an individual may be arrested on suspicion of espionage, that suspicion could later be dispelled.

"We must allow the intelligence and security agencies that have formed cases in this regard to carefully investigate so that the rights of the accused are observed, so that, God forbid, no one is wrongly suspected and convicted, and at the same time, the rights of the nation and the rights of sovereignty... are preserved," he continued.

According to the Tasnim report, Jahangir also linked some of the recent espionage cases to what he referred to as the "12-day war." He stated that individuals arrested in the days leading up to that conflict had, in their confessions, described missions related to the war.

He further mentioned that individuals who were suspected of cooperating with the "occupying Zionist regime" at the start of the war were identified and arrested by law enforcement or, in some cases, by the public.

Jahangir clarified that the investigation process has led to the release of some of those initially detained.

"A number of these individuals, after investigation, were found to have no connection with espionage, or had other charges, so the nature of their charges has changed, or it has been determined that they have no connection with the regime, and their charges have been completely dismissed and they have been released," he said, according to Tasnim. 

However, he confirmed that the cases of individuals found to be connected with the "Zionist regime"—whether through espionage, operational activity, support, or cooperation—are under judicial investigation.

He stated that because the investigation is in the research phase, further details would be communicated to the public after the cases are completed and final verdicts are issued.

The spokesperson concluded his remarks with a stern warning, promising a harsh response to anyone found guilty of collaborating with Israel.

"What is certain is that the judiciary will show no leniency in dealing with spies and Zionist agents and will provide a lesson for all spies and agents of the Zionist regime with decisive sentences; an action that will be considered as a historical lesson," he affirmed.