Why it matters:
The foiled operation underscores ongoing threats along Iran’s eastern borders, where terrorist groups, often backed by foreign intelligence services, seek to destabilize the region. Officials linked the cell’s tactics and training to Israel’s Mossad.
The big picture:
Sistan and Baluchestan, bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, have long been vulnerable to cross-border militancy, arms smuggling, and extremist infiltration. Tehran accuses U.S. and Israeli intelligence agencies of exploiting this instability to target Iran’s security.
Key points:
- The seven-member cell was armed with Laser-guided RPG-7 launchers, U.S.-made M4 and M16 rifles, Hand grenades, grenade launchers, Explosive vests, and Large caches of ammunition.
- Several vehicles and motorcycles were also seized.
- Six terrorists were killed in a heavy, hours-long firefight; two were captured alive.
- Two Intelligence Ministry agents and one police officer were wounded in the clashes.
- The operation was carried out by Iran’s Intelligence Ministry operatives specializing in counterterrorism, as well as Iranian Police forces.
What officials are saying:
General Directorate of Intelligence of Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, in a statement, said:
The Intelligence Ministry confirmed the group had been preparing to strike a “vital center” in eastern Iran. Training exercises found on mock-ups of the target resembled previous models attributed to Mossad’s operational playbook.
Go deeper:
On Friday, armed assailants attacked two police patrol units on the Khash-Iranshahr Road in Sistan and Balochistan province, leading to the tragic loss of five Iranian officers.
Hossein Vaez - Hossein Vaez
