Iran announces takedown of alleged Mossad spy networks in six provinces

Illustrative image of Mossad operations.

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ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

MAY 11, 2026 07:53

Iran's Intelligence Ministry announced the dismantling of two armed cells purportedly tied to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, along with the arrest of a suspect attempting to smuggle sensitive military data overseas, according to state news agency IRNA on Sunday.

Operations spanned six provinces, with one purported operative fatally shot during a confrontation with security forces, the ministry stated via IRNA.

Authorities targeted a four-person cell allegedly directed by Mossad, which was plotting strikes in West Azerbaijan and parts of Tehran province. The group was neutralized in Azerbaijan before it could act.

The cell reportedly received funds from Mossad in phases to hit critical infrastructure, government facilities, and to eliminate a target in Tehran, per the ministry's account.

One member died resisting capture while armed; the remaining three were taken into custody, officials reported.

Seized gear included drones, firearms, and specialized surveillance tools

A separate cell was caught during early surveillance for an assault on Iranian troops in Kerman and Alborz provinces, leading to three arrests.

Raids on their base uncovered an array of weaponry and spying apparatus, Iranian forces said.

Items included three drones with a transport vehicle, three suppressed semi-automatic pistols, a Winchester rifle, a sniper rifle with optics, ammunition supplies, long-range radios for handheld and vehicle use, Starlink terminals, and protective vests, IRNA detailed.

Additionally, a man known only as "Masoud" was detained in northern Iran for allegedly transmitting classified details on a military installation to foreign entities.

Such accusations against Mossad affiliates are frequent from Tehran amid its covert conflict with Israel, which rarely addresses these assertions.