Iran is facing a growing threat from Israeli espionage, with Mossad agents allegedly operating within the country to support Israeli strikes. In response, voluntary members of the Revolutionary Guards’ paramilitary wing, the Basij, have been deployed in a small village near Tehran to monitor roads and inspect vehicles in an effort to prevent Mossad agents from using the area as a base.
The Basij members, who are local volunteers, have joined forces with police and security forces nationwide to combat what Iranian authorities claim is a vast espionage network built by Mossad over the years. This crackdown has led to the arrest of hundreds of individuals, mostly Iranian and Afghan nationals who are often unemployed or work as truck drivers.
Since the Israeli strikes began, Iranian officials believe that Mossad’s local network has been actively engaged in operations inside the country. This includes providing intelligence on target locations, smuggling in drone components and explosives, and supporting Israeli air strikes from the ground. The depth of Israeli infiltration has been underscored by these operations, which have targeted senior commanders and nuclear scientists.
In response to the threat, Iran has executed individuals accused of spying for Israel. Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi-Shayesteh was accused of leading a cyber team linked to Mossad, while Majid Mosayebi was accused of transmitting confidential information to Israel in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. The Basij has been vigilant in identifying and apprehending individuals engaged in suspicious activities.
The return of the Basij to the streets, reminiscent of the early years after the 1979 revolution, has been seen as a necessary measure to combat the threat of Israeli espionage. The Basij’s presence, along with the support of ordinary citizens volunteering for security support, has been praised by Iran’s new Revolutionary Guards commander, Major General Mohammad Pakpour.
While some Iranians have mixed feelings about the Basij’s role in suppressing protests and civil society, many have rallied around the flag in response to the perceived threat from the US and Israel. The crackdown on espionage activities is seen as crucial to protecting Iran’s national security.
As Iran continues to face infiltration from foreign agents, the Basij and security forces are working diligently to root out spies and prevent further attacks. The Basij’s presence in the village near Tehran and their collaboration with police and security forces demonstrate Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty against external threats.
