Iran arrests 500 individuals over spying for enemies; Iran’s police chief

Monday, March 16, 2026: Iran’s police chief, Brigadier General Ahmad Reza Radan, announced that Iranian authorities have arrested 500 individuals accused of spying for enemy forces amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

In a televised statement, General Radan said that 250 of the detainees were classified as “important cases.” He explained that these individuals allegedly shared intelligence about Iranian targets and sent footage of strike locations to hostile forces.

The police chief did not provide exact dates or locations for all arrests. However, he confirmed that the detainees included 20 “very important cases”. These were members of an organized spy group operating in three Iranian provinces, which authorities say has now been dismantled.

Radan also reported that main culprits of a sabotage operation were arrested. These individuals allegedly provided sensitive information about a private company that was later attacked by enemy forces.

Iranian media said that dozens of arrests took place across multiple regions on Sunday. Tasnim News Agency reported that 20 people were arrested in northwestern Iran for sharing details about military and security assets with Israel. Another 10 people were detained in northeastern Iran, accused of gathering information on sensitive locations and economic infrastructure.

The police chief emphasized that these arrests are part of Iran’s ongoing effort to protect national security and prevent intelligence leaks during a period of foreign aggression. Authorities described the operation as necessary to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and critical infrastructure.

Radan stated that Iran remains vigilant against attempts by foreign powers to destabilize the country. He said that any cooperation with enemy forces will be treated as a serious threat and investigated thoroughly.

Officials highlighted that Iran’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies are working continuously to uncover spy networks and prevent sabotage. They also assured citizens that national security remains a top priority despite ongoing regional tensions.

The Iranian government framed the arrests as evidence of its strong counterintelligence capabilities and determination to defend the country against external threats. Authorities stressed that these actions are necessary to maintain peace and stability at a time of heightened military activity in the region.