Iran arrests 22 people in Qom for alleged links with Israel
Tension between Iran and Israel continues to unfold, with Iranian security forces confirming the arrest of 22 individuals in Qom province, accusing them of working with Israeli intelligence. The group now faces charges related to espionage, disturbing public peace, and supporting a foreign regime viewed as hostile.
The local police intelligence chief described the suspects as having direct contact with Israeli spy agencies, though no specific proof has been made public.
The new arrests come shortly after Iranian police detained 24 other individuals, also suspected of spying for Israel. According to state-linked Tasnim News Agency, these individuals were said to be part of efforts to “tarnish the image of Iran” through acts of sabotage and misinformation.
Adding to the intrigue, one European national has also been arrested on espionage allegations, but officials have withheld details about their identity or when the arrest occurred.
Iran has a long record of jailing people it accuses of spying for foreign governments, especially Israel. But in the current climate of conflict and rising regional heat, authorities appear to be intensifying arrests without providing public evidence.
Human rights groups, including the Norway-based Iran Human Rights, estimate over 220 people have been detained countrywide on similar accusations since the conflict escalated. The group says the real number could be much higher, blaming tight media control and lack of transparency.
International observers are now sounding alarms over due process violations and the use of espionage claims to silence dissent. While Iran insists it’s defending national security, critics fear the arrests are part of a broader campaign to suppress political opposition and deflect attention from internal unrest.
With the number of arrests rising and little clarity from the Iranian government, pressure is building both locally and globally for accountability and justice.
