21 April 2026 :

April 20, 2026 - IRAN. IRGC Intelligence Organization: At least 127 People Arrested in Three Provinces

The IRGC Intelligence Organization has announced the identification and arrest of at least 127 individuals in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. The organization claims that these individuals, including media activists, Baha’i citizens, people affiliated with opposition groups, and “spy teams”, were involved in activities linked to what it described as “networks affiliated with foreign governments.”

According to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the IRGC Intelligence Organization announced in a statement the arrest of dozens of individuals. The organization stated that “cells affiliated with the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom” had been identified and “dismantled” in the provinces of East Azerbaijan, Kerman, and Mazandaran. In the statement, those arrested were accused of actions such as “network-building, espionage, market disruption, and planning unrest.”

According to the claims made, seven individuals were arrested in East Azerbaijan province for alleged connections with “monarchist” groups. In Mazandaran province, authorities reported the arrest of 69 individuals who, according to the organization, face accusations including ties to anti-government movements and so-called “economic mercenary” activities.

The report further states that the IRGC Intelligence Organization in Kerman province announced the identification and action taken against 51 individuals. It claimed that among them were three “spy teams” linked to foreign intelligence services, two groups of Baha’i citizens, a four-member “armed operational cell affiliated with monarchist groups,” and six media operatives connected to the “Iran International” network. According to the organization, these individuals were attempting to disrupt the market and organize unrest through contacts outside the country.

The statement also claimed that quantities of weapons and communication equipment were discovered at locations where these individuals were held.

As of the time of this report, no independent information has been released regarding the identities of those arrested, their place of detention, or the legal process of their cases. Additionally, despite the scale of the reported figures and the accusations made, no specific details have been provided regarding the evidence for these charges, the manner of the arrests, or the exact nature of their alleged connections.