Iranian counterintelligence agencies have launched a sweeping nationwide operation to track down alleged Mossad-linked agents and militant cells, escalating a security crackdown in the aftermath of violent unrest that authorities say was backed by the United States and Israel. The campaign, unfolding across multiple provinces, marks one of the most extensive internal security operations in recent years and reflects Tehran’s determination to reassert control after days of riots and attacks on security personnel.
According to Iranian officials, security forces are conducting coordinated operations from the capital Tehran to northern and western regions including Shahsavar, focusing on armed militants, weapons smuggling routes, and suspected provocateurs accused of fomenting chaos. Patrols have been reinforced in urban and rural areas, while intelligence units are pursuing what authorities describe as terrorist cells linked to foreign intelligence services. Several weapons caches have reportedly been intercepted as part of the operation.
Police Chief Ahmadreza Radan has publicly pledged a zero-tolerance approach, vowing that those responsible for violence and unrest will be pursued relentlessly. He said security forces would conduct searches “door to door, street to street” if necessary, signaling an uncompromising posture aimed at dismantling networks accused of orchestrating attacks and destabilization efforts.
The crackdown has also relied heavily on public participation. Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has urged citizens to report suspicious activities, including the movement of armed individuals or unusual communications, through official channels. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it received more than 400,000 public tips during the height of the unrest, information officials say played a significant role in identifying suspects and making arrests.
Authorities have also intensified efforts to restrict communications believed to be facilitating coordination with foreign intelligence handlers. Dozens of illegal Starlink satellite internet devices have been seized, with officials alleging they were used by protesters and operatives to bypass state controls and maintain contact with external sponsors.
In parallel, Iran’s cyber counterintelligence efforts have expanded. Hackers affiliated with the Iran-linked group known as Handala have claimed to expose more than 600 individuals allegedly connected financially to Israel’s Mossad. Iranian officials say the data has provided critical leads for identifying and tracking suspects, though independent verification of the claims has not been possible.
The latest measures follow lessons Iranian security circles say were drawn from earlier confrontations, including the brief but intense conflict often referred to domestically as the “12 Day War.” Analysts aligned with the government argue that Iran has significantly tightened its counterintelligence capabilities since last year, moving faster and more aggressively to disrupt foreign-linked networks before they can gain momentum.
As the operations continue, the crackdown is expected to heighten tensions at home and abroad. Supporters of the government frame the campaign as a necessary defense against foreign interference, while critics warn it could further restrict civil space. For now, Iranian authorities appear intent on sending a clear message that collaboration with external intelligence services will be met with an uncompromising response.
