Iran arrests alleged 'monarchist' networks, suspected spies as war rages
The Hindu
Iran arrests over 100 alleged monarchist and spy networks amid ongoing conflict, as authorities intensify crackdowns across the nation.
Iranian authorities said on Wednesday (March 18, 2026) they had arrested more than 100 alleged "monarchist cells" plotting against the Islamic Republic, along with suspected spies and individuals accused of cooperating with an outlawed television channel.
Forces from the Intelligence Ministry "have identified and arrested 111 monarchist cells across 26 provinces before they could take action on the last Wednesday of the year," the Ministry said in a statement carried by Fars news agency.
Read: Iran-Israel war LIVE updates
It was not immediately clear how many individuals were involved in the alleged cells.
The Ministry said four suspected spies linked to the United States were arrested in Hamedan city and West Azerbaijan province, both in the country's west.
Authorities also arrested another 21 people accused of cooperating with the London-based broadcaster Iran International, which is outlawed in Iran, it added.
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