ISTANBUL

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry said Wednesday it arrested 39 people in Tehran for alleged links to Israel and “terrorist groups.”

The ministry said in a statement carried by the Mehr News Agency that 27 of those detained were members of two groups it labeled as “terrorist” organizations.

According to the statement, one suspect allegedly attempted to establish an operational cell in Sistan and Baluchestan province using seized weapons.

Authorities said they seized 49 improvised explosive devices, two Kalashnikov rifles, 16 handguns, 50 magazines and more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition. They also reported confiscating stun guns, tear gas, Molotov cocktails, explosive materials and seven Starlink satellite devices.

The ministry said two of those detained were accused of operating online activities aimed at spreading unrest, while others were accused of providing information on the locations and movements of security forces.

The arrests came as the US and Israel have maintained airstrikes on Iran since Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.