TEHRAN — In a series of high-precision operations, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has announced it has successfully dismantled several foreign-backed terrorist cells tasked with orchestrating “kill-and-blame” plots and conducting high-casualty attacks on security centers.

According to official statements released on January 18 and 19, these groups aimed to exploit recent unrest to manufacture chaos and target both law enforcement and innocent civilians.

Vigilance and public synergy

The ministry underscored that public cooperation has been instrumental. In Tehran alone, over 300 key “field leaders” were identified and detained following reports from citizens via the 113 hotline. Similar successes were reported nationwide:

- Kerman Province: A six-member armed cell linked to the “Iran International” media outlet was captured in Rafsanjan and Sirjan. The group, which included four repeat offenders, was involved in attacking a seminary and firing on civilians.

- Khuzestan: Six ringleaders were arrested for the arson and desecration of the Holy Shrine of Sabze-Qaba in Dezful.

- Malard: The perpetrator behind the martyrdom of Officer Mohammad Javad Bakhshian was apprehended and confessed to the stabbing.

German-funded MEK sabotage

In another statement, the ministry detailed the arrest of two operatives in Tehran linked to the terrorist Mujahedin-e-Khalq (MEK) organization.

According to the ministry, these individuals were being remotely managed by a handler based in Germany, and the handler utilized cryptocurrency transfers to fund the purchase of weapons and safe houses.

Confiscated documents and confessions revealed that their mission included “setting fire to mosques and carrying out beheadings” to incite fear.

Authorities seized two Kalashnikov rifles, ammunition, and specialized communication equipment.

This follows the MEK’s own admission that it has played an active field role in the recent disturbances and terror attacks, acknowledging that 38 of its “insurgents” were eliminated in failed operations.

Thwarting the armed siege on Tehranpars

The Ministry of Intelligence also said it neutralized a terrorist team that had infiltrated Iran through western borders with the intent to commit crimes in the capital.

The cell was responsible for a sophisticated armed assault on Police Station 126 in Tehranpars on the evening of January 8.

According to the ministry, the terrorists fired over 850 rounds using military-grade weapons in an attempt to seize the station and loot its armory.

The attack resulted in the martyrdom of several police personnel, Basij members (volunteer security forces as part of the IRGC), and bystanders.

During the final operation to apprehend them, the terrorists opened fire on security forces; in the ensuing exchange, one gunman was killed, and four others were captured.

The ministry added that two intelligence officers from Tehran province were wounded but, demonstrating legendary dedication, “refused to leave the mission or rest until their recovery,” remaining in the field despite their injuries.

Iranian officials maintain that these events, which cumulatively have led to the death of a few thousand, especially from January 8 to January 10, are part of a broader “hybrid war” involving the U.S. and Israel.