Iran says it killed head of 'terrorist' group backed by enemy states

In July, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry claimed that it had arrested a network of Mossad agents and seized a heavy shipment of weapons.

 Iranian Americans rally against Ebrahim Raisi outside the United Nations headquarters during the 76th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, in New York, US, September 21, 2021. (photo credit: REUTERS/DAVID 'DEE' DELGADO)
Iranian Americans rally against Ebrahim Raisi outside the United Nations headquarters during the 76th Session of the U.N. General Assembly, in New York, US, September 21, 2021.
(photo credit: REUTERS/DAVID 'DEE' DELGADO)

Iran's Intelligence Ministry announced on Tuesday that it had killed the leader of a group that it claimed was supported and guided by the intelligence services of countries hostile to Iran.

The group allegedly planned to strike sensitive and vital sites in Iran, according to Iranian media. All members of the group were arrested by Iranian intelligence forces.

The Intelligence Ministry did not specify which hostile states were supporting the group, but Iran's state broadcast IRIB broadcast a documentary after the news was announced, referring to the meeting of US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and insinuating that the US and Israel were behind the group.

The documentary also seemed to insinuate that the group was armed in Azerbaijan, showing pictures of Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, while stating that it was armed in "one of the neighboring countries."

In July, Iran’s Intelligence Ministry claimed that it had arrested a network of Mossad agents and seized a heavy shipment of weapons and ammunition after they entered Iran through its western border. The seized weapons included pistols, grenades and shotguns, according to the ministry, which added that some of the weapons have been used to “provoke clashes” during protests.

Footage of alleged Mossad agents in Iran published after reports Mossad network was arrested, July 2021IRANIAN MINISTRY OF INTELLIGENCE
Footage of alleged Mossad agents in Iran published after reports Mossad network was arrested, July 2021IRANIAN MINISTRY OF INTELLIGENCE

Tzvi Joffre contributed to this report.