Khaberni - Iran announced the arrest of two individuals in North Khorasan province, on allegations of their connection with the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad, according to a knowledgeable source within the Intelligence Organization of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The source explained that the security forces detained the suspects in the city of Bojnurd, indicating that they are suspected of playing a leadership role in a network allegedly linked to Mossad, and of participating in organizing riots and violent incidents in North Khorasan province, as reported by the Tasnim Agency.
The source also added that the security forces found communication and spying tools, as well as a weapon and ammunition, in the possession of the detainees. No independent information has been released yet to confirm the validity of these accusations.
In a related context, human rights groups have stated that the crackdown on protests in Iran has resulted in at least 538 deaths, with concerns that the real number may be higher, as of this Sunday.
Tehran also warned that the United States and Israel would be "legitimate targets" if Washington used force to protect the protesters.
The US-based Human Rights News Agency reported that more than 10,600 people were arrested during two weeks of protests, confirming its reliance on a network of activists inside the country for cross-verification of information.
Earlier today, Turkey accused Mossad of inciting the protests.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that Israel is leveraging economic challenges and internal disturbances to deepen divisions in Iran, noting that Mossad "is calling on Iranians to rise against the regime through the internet and social media platforms."
