Iran claims to arrest ‘terrorist Zionist’ network linked to Mossad

Iran claimed to arrest a “terrorist-Zionist” network on Tuesday. It is the latest of several Iranian regime claims in which it boasts it has dismantled various networks it claims are linked to dissident groups and Israel.

According to the Iranian reports, the intelligence services in Iran had tracked down a “terrorist” cell that was working in several cities. They claimed to have found 40 explosive devices, that appeared to be pipe bombs and other evidence. 

A video released online by Iran showed their forces supposedly tracking a black car that is then followed out to the desert where unmarked cars are used to stop the alleged “terrorists.” The video looks like it was shot more as a mock-up movie of what Iran claims happened, than as an actual real-time event.  

Tasnim News says that the Iranian “Information Ministry announced in a statement this morning that a large terrorist network, which was planning to cause widespread sabotage in the country in cooperation with the Zionist regime.” It claims that the internal security services were able to find this alleged “network.” 

Group were members of counter-revolutionary groups in Iran

The report then notes that in fact, the group it detained were members of a “counter-revolutionary” group. They “were active in training and setting up and equipping the network, and all these people lived abroad.” Iran often alleges that dissidents are part of a conspiracy against Iran, sometimes blaming Kurdish or other groups for various crimes and alleging these groups are all linked to Israel. Even protesters against Tehran’s draconian hijab laws are often slandered as being backed by “foreigners.”  

Iran’s regime media also claimed that the network it has busted was responsible for an explosion at the tomb of Qasem Soleimani and an explosion at a gas station. Supposedly “stores, gas stations, and universities were among the targets of this terrorist team, which were neutralized before taking action.” 

Iran says the group made 55 explosive detonators and dozens of bombs and had 100 kg of materials for more bombs. Iran also claims these “terrorists” were financed by “Mossad centers located in Denmark and the Netherlands” and “were planning operations in six different Iranian provinces.” 

The regime alleges the dissident group planned more attacks for Ashura, the Shi’ite holy festival.