Iran arrests 31 over alleged US-Israeli-backed sabotage networks

Iran’s Intelligence Ministry has arrested 31 people belonging to four “US-Israeli-backed” networks accused of plotting acts of sabotage and stirring unrest in southern Kerman province, according to state-run media.

The ministry said the suspects in Sirjan county were organised into networks specifically to lure teenagers and young people.

It added that the groups had prepared large quantities of Molotov cocktails to destroy urban surveillance cameras in preparation for street unrest and sabotage.

Iranian authorities also accused the networks of participating in violence and destruction during nationwide protests in January.

The January demonstrations-which originally erupted over economic hardship before expanding into nationwide protests calling for an end to clerical rule-resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, including protesters and security forces.