Iran claims it nabbed 4 Mossad-linked 'terror cells'

Intelligence ministry says operatives planned to use anti-regime riots as cover to carry out ‘hybrid terrorist operations,’ promises details soon on ringleader in Europe

Iran has arrested four cells tied to Israel’s Mossad spy agency that were planning to carry out terror attacks in the country, local media reported Thursday.

The intelligence ministry said in a statement that “relentless efforts” led to the arrest of all operatives before they could carry out their assaults. Reports did not specify how many people in total were detained.

“The Zionist criminal regime, taking advantage of the recent riots over the past weeks in several parts of Iran, intended to conduct several hybrid terrorist operations by directing operative teams,” the ministry was quoted as saying.

The ministry also said it has information about a Mossad “ringleader” in Europe that it will release in the near future, the Mehr news agency reported.

Iran has been violently squelching protests that erupted throughout the country after the September death of Mahsa Amini, 22, in the custody of morality police. Hundreds of people have been killed, including members of the security forces, and over 10,000 arrested. At least two people have been executed.

Last week, Iran said it busted a Mossad-led spy network in the country that sought to gain access and sabotage its defense industry.

Iran’s state-owned Press TV reported that intelligence services uncovered an operation that employed a data broker to act as the head of a spare parts manufacturing company, and then forge connections with Iranian firms and individuals tied to the defense industry.

Iran makes claims of busting Mossad spy rings from time to time. The veracity of such claims is unclear.

Tehran and Jerusalem have long accused each other of spying. Israel views Iran as its greatest threat and has repeatedly threatened to take military action to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran denies seeking such weapons and has vowed a harsh response to any Israeli aggression.

In January, Israel said it had broken up an Iranian spy ring that recruited Israeli women via social media to photograph sensitive sites, gather intelligence and encourage their sons to join Israeli military intelligence.

Earlier this month, Iran executed four people accused of working for the Mossad, while three others received lengthy prison sentences.

Associated Press contributed to this report.