Iran arrests 30 over alleged Mossad links; Israel charges two with spying for Iran

Iran and Israel have announced separate, significant espionage-related cases, highlighting ongoing tensions and mutual accusations of covert activities. Iranian authorities reported the arrest of 30 people in the southeastern Kerman province, alleging they collaborated with Israel's Mossad intelligence agency.

The Iranian Intelligence Ministry stated these suspects were involved in gathering information on military and air defense sites. Adding another layer to the accusations, the ministry also claimed the detainees had participated in anti-government protests between December 2025 and January 2026, linking these demonstrations to broader national security concerns. No further evidence or specific details about the arrested individuals were immediately provided.

In parallel, Israel announced it had charged two residents with spying for Iran. The Shin Bet security agency and Israeli police identified the accused as Israeli citizen Tamerlan Amshukov and Ukrainian citizen Alina Kushnirko, both residents of Ashkelon. They were reportedly arrested last month and indicted at the Tel Aviv District Court.

According to Israeli authorities, Amshukov allegedly received thousands of shekels from an Iranian handler to photograph sensitive locations, including the Port of Eilat and the Mount Herzl military cemetery and museum in Jerusalem. The statement indicated that some of these alleged missions were carried out with Kushnirko. This development follows a pattern of dozens of arrests in Israel in recent months involving individuals suspected of spying for Iran, often involving payment for photographing sensitive sites.

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We can at present understand from the Spanish authorities that illegal travel onward to mainland Spain and Europe has so far been prevented.