Iran arrests 5 Israeli 'spies', seizes drone-smuggling vehicle

Iranian authorities have arrested five individuals in the central city of Yazd on suspicion of spying for Israel and allegedly collaborating with its intelligence services, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

According to local news outlets, the suspects were allegedly involved in gathering sensitive information and taking photographs of strategic sites. Authorities claim the individuals were working in coordination with Israeli intelligence.

In addition to the arrests, a vehicle reportedly smuggling Israeli-made drones into the country was also seized during the operation, raising concerns over covert surveillance activities amid growing tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

The arrests come at a time of heightened hostilities between Iran and Israel, following Israel’s military offensive against Iranian-linked targets a couple of days ago. 

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The identities of the detained individuals have not been made public, and no further details have been provided regarding the alleged smuggling operation or potential charges. 

Iran is also preparing another major retaliatory attack on Israel, as tensions between the two countries spiral following a deadly escalation earlier this week. Iranian officials have reportedly planned to fire 2,000 missiles at Israel in the next phase. 

According to Iranian media, Tehran has formally informed the United States, the United Kingdom, and France about its intention to strike back. 

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Meanwhile, in response to heightened threats, Israeli police have called up 600 additional reserve officers, as reported by Arab media outlets. This move comes amid fears of retaliation from Iran and its allies in the region.

In another major development, Iran’s Supreme Leader has appointed Brigadier General Seyed Majid Mousavi as the new head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force. The decision follows the reported martyrdom of General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the long-serving commander of the force, who was killed in an Israeli strike just a day earlier.