The semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that intelligence units of the Islamic Republic of Iran detained 700 individuals during the 12-day armed conflict with Israel. These individuals were described in the report as “700 Israeli mercenaries.”

Iranian officials claimed that a spy network affiliated with the "Zionist regime" became active inside the country simultaneously with the Israeli attacks, but that this network was largely dismantled.

The detentions were concentrated particularly in the provinces of Kermanshah, Isfahan, Khuzestan, Fars, and Lorestan, while no official statement has been made yet regarding possible activities in the capital, Tehran.

It is not known whether all the detainees will be prosecuted. They are reportedly under investigation for charges such as attempted sabotage, collecting sensitive information, and coordinating with Israeli intelligence.

Three people executed

In Iran, similar accusations are often used to target dissidents and suppress public dissent. In a country lacking fair trials, executions have also occurred under similar charges.

According to Mizan, the official news agency of the judiciary, three individuals accused of spying for Mossad were executed. The executions reportedly took place on Wednesday morning.

Amnesty International calls for protection of detainees

In a statement on June 20, Amnesty International called on Iranian authorities to halt plans for arbitrary executions, stating: “They must protect all detainees accused of spying for Israel from enforced disappearance, torture, and other ill-treatment.”