Iran’s intelligence ministry has arrested 97 individuals accused of being 'soldiers of Israel,' as reported by state media on Thursday [1]. This action is part of a broader security sweep, with hundreds detained for alleged links to Israel and the United States since the onset of the war, according to Reuters [1]. Earlier the same day, the police commander of Alborz province stated that 41 people were arrested for sending videos to opposition media channels based abroad [1].
On March 10, Iran’s intelligence ministry reported the arrest of a foreign national and 30 others described as spies, internal mercenaries, and operational agents of Israel and the U.S. [1]. The crackdown intensified following the assassination of Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, in a targeted Israeli strike in Tehran. Khatib’s death was confirmed on March 18 by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, ten days after the start of Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion, both targeting the Iranian regime [1].
Under Khatib’s leadership, the intelligence ministry expanded its operations, establishing extensive informant networks across universities, media organizations, minority communities, and activist circles. Its agents are tasked with identifying protest organizers, monitoring communications, and conducting interrogations [1].
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported on March 12 that Iranian authorities had arrested nearly 200 people on charges related to the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic Republic. These charges include alleged activity on social media, sending content to foreign media outlets, espionage, and disturbing public order, with HRANA’s count based on official reports [1].
CONCLUSION
Iran’s sweeping crackdown, marked by the arrest of 97 alleged 'soldiers of Israel' and nearly 200 others on related charges, follows the assassination of its intelligence minister and heightened tensions with Israel and the U.S. The broadening of intelligence operations and mass detentions signal increased internal security measures. These developments may contribute to regional instability and heightened geopolitical risk, with potential implications for markets sensitive to Middle Eastern security events.