Iranian authorities have arrested approximately 21,000 “suspects” during the country’s 12-day conflict with Israel and the United States in June. According to state media, police spokesperson Saeid Montazerolmahdi attributed the arrests to a surge in public reports, stating, “There was a 41 percent increase in calls by the public, which led to the arrest of 21,000 suspects during the 12-day war.” The nature of the suspicions behind these arrests remains unclear, but Iranian officials have previously suggested that public tips may have aided in directing Israeli attacks.
The arrests were part of a broader crackdown by Iranian security forces, which intensified their street presence through checkpoints and encouraged public reporting of suspicious activity. This move comes amid a backdrop of significant military action, including massive Israeli air strikes that resulted in the deaths of top military officials, scientists, and hundreds of civilians. The US also conducted extensive strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during the conflict.
The conflict has also led to an accelerated rate of deportations for Afghan refugees and migrants believed to be in Iran illegally. Local authorities have accused some Afghan nationals of spying for Israel, although the specifics of these allegations are not detailed. Montazerolmahdi reported that law enforcement rounded up 2,774 illegal migrants and discovered 30 special security cases after examining their phones. Additionally, 261 suspects of espionage and 172 people accused of unauthorized filming were arrested.
The Iranian police also handled over 5,700 cases of cybercrimes, including online fraud and unauthorized withdrawals, during the conflict. Montazerolmahdi emphasized the significance of cyberspace as a “battlefront” during the war. The exact number of those arrested who have been released since then remains unspecified.
Since the end of June, Iran has executed seven men convicted of spying for Israel. The Iranian judiciary’s news outlet Mizan reported the execution of Rouzbeh Vadi, who relayed classified information to Israel’s Mossad. Human rights concerns continue to mount, particularly with the mass deportation of Afghan migrants, which aid agencies warn could further destabilize Afghanistan.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between Iran’s security measures and human rights, particularly in the context of conflict and geopolitical tensions. As the international community monitors the situation, concerns about the treatment of detainees, migrants, and the broader implications for regional stability remain paramount.