SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iran said on Tuesday the security forces had detained a network of agents working for Israel, according to state media.
Iran’s intelligence ministry said the security forces also seized a cache of weapons which were planned for use during the recent unrest sparked by water shortages in the country, according to Reuters.
“Mossad operatives intended to use the equipment in urban riots and assassinations,” an intelligence ministry official said.
The seized weapons included pistols, grenades assault rifles and ammunition, the official said.
“Some of these are used to provoke clashes during protests,” he added.
Tuesday’s announcement came after nearly two weeks of protests over water shortages, mostly in southwest Iran, which have turned political and spread to other areas.
Authorities have accused armed dissidents of provoking clashes during the street protests. Human rights groups say security forces have opened fire on protesters.
Iran often accuses its enemies or rivals abroad, such as Israel, the United States and Saudi Arabia, of trying to destabilize the country by stoking protests and violence.
