Why it matters:
Iranian authorities have repeatedly argued that recent unrest in the country was exploited by armed groups and individuals connected to foreign actors, including the U.S., Israel, and opposition Persian-language media abroad. The arrests are presented by officials as evidence supporting their points of view that the protests were infiltrated by violent elements aiming to escalate tensions through sabotage and attacks on civilians and security forces.
The big picture:
The recent wave of unrest in Iran has been marked by a mix of peaceful demonstrations and violent incidents. Iranian officials maintain that the foreign-backed networks played a role in fueling the violence, pointing to armed attacks, use of explosives, and coordinated vandalism. The government’s narrative frames these arrests as part of a broader effort to neutralize “external interference” and prevent further destabilization.
What they’re saying:
Officials say one armed suspect, who traveled to Hamedan “with prior intent to carry out sabotage,” killed a security officer before fleeing to a town near Tehran, where he was later arrested in a joint operation with police.
Authorities say the suspect had a criminal record, including kidnapping and assault.
Several individuals accused of attacking Basij members in Hamedan and assaulting an elderly passerby in Nahavand were also detained.
Two teams producing and distributing Molotov cocktails were identified, with five arrests and a large number of incendiary devices seized.
Intelligence forces say they also detained three four‑member groups accused of orchestrating property destruction, two foreign nationals, one person linked to Israel, and another tied to 'Iran International' a London-based TV channel broadcasts in Farsi.
Go deeper:
Iran Slams European Parliament Resolution as “Interference”
Hossein Amiri - seyed mohammad kazemi
