TEHRAN – Iranian authorities have opened legal cases against 47 individuals accused of collaborating with Israel, according to reports by Iran International, citing statements from the Fars province judiciary chief. The move marks a significant escalation in Iran’s internal crackdown amid heightened tensions with Tel Aviv.
The announcement comes in the wake of a reported Israeli assassination strike that claimed the lives of Iranian nuclear scientist Sedighi Saber and 11 members of his family, just hours before a ceasefire between Iran and Israel came into effect late Monday.
According to Press TV, Iran’s state-affiliated English-language channel, the targeted attack occurred in Astaneh Ashrafieh, a city located in northern Iran near the Caspian Sea. A family photograph shared by Press TV showed multiple victims, including children, women, and elderly relatives, highlighting the extensive civilian casualties.
Sources indicate that Israel has targeted at least 14 Iranian nuclear scientists during its 12-day military campaign against Iran. The death of Sedighi Saber, a key figure within Iran’s nuclear research community, marks a significant loss and has further fueled public outrage across the country.
These developments have triggered increased security measures inside Iran and prompted renewed calls by officials for international condemnation of Israel’s targeted killings. Iranian authorities are reportedly continuing investigations into espionage networks believed to be linked to Israeli intelligence agencies.
While both nations have now agreed to a ceasefire, the fallout from the attacks and espionage allegations threatens to further destabilize the region and complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts.
