Iran says it detained Mossad cell planning to kill nuclear scientists

Iran is claiming that it has arrested Mossad agents who were planning to assassinate nuclear scientists.

Its announcement does not specify their nationalities or how many people had been detained.

“The arrest of these Mossad operatives came after a complicated intelligence operation that lasted for eight months of monitoring them,” says Mehdi Shamsabadi, the prosecutor general of Sistan and Baluchestan.

Shamsabadi says the investigation is ongoing and that the individuals will be charged in the near future, Iran’s Mehr News reports.

Three people were also arrested two months ago on suspicion of leaking classified information related to Iran’s nuclear program.

The three — named as M.S., M.Z. and A-Gh — were linked to Israeli intelligence services, according to Mehr News.

One of those arrested was a woman who held a government position in an Iranian province but had previously worked for an organization linked to the presidency. Another individual arrested had tried to access confidential information through “administrative and executive authorities.”

Iran often detains individuals it claims are linked to foreign intelligence services without providing any evidence.