the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence unit in Lorestan, announcing the arrest of five individuals suspected of carrying out "social media" activities on behalf of Israel's Mossad foreign intelligence agency in Lorestan province.
According to the statement, the individuals were accused of being active on social media, inciting anxiety and fear among citizens, and attempting to undermine the regime during Israeli attacks on Iran.
Security forces arrested 18 people on Tuesday on similar charges in the same governorate.
In a related development, Morad Moradi, the deputy mayor of Bakhrestan, Isfahan province, told Tasnim News Agency on Tuesday night that the arrests took place as the group entered the city.
Moradi noted that a large quantity of explosives, small drones equipped with targeting systems, advanced military weapons, and communications equipment and remote control systems were seized during a search of the vehicle the group was traveling in. He added that the group was planning to carry out large-scale suicide attacks in densely populated areas using this equipment.
In a related development, Iranian security forces arrested four individuals in two provinces in recent days on charges of working for Mossad.
The region has been witnessing a military escalation since dawn last Friday, with Israel, backed by the United States, launching military operations targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile bases, and military leaders and scientists. These operations have resulted in the deaths of 224 people and the injury of 1,277 others. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes, killing approximately 24 people and wounding hundreds more.
The risk of an escalating conflict is growing, with Western and Israeli reports indicating the possibility of the United States joining Israel in an attack on Iran. This comes amid statements by US President Donald Trump calling on Tehran to surrender unconditionally and hinting at the possibility of targeting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
