Iranian security forces have arrested three individuals identified as Ukrainian intelligence operatives for allegedly attempting to carry out an attack on a drone manufacturing facility in the city of Esfahan.
According to a report by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency on Sunday, the suspects were apprehended before they could execute the attack. The operation is said to have targeted a site involved in drone production, which has become a strategic asset for Iran during the country’s ongoing tensions with Israel and the West.
Since the start of Israel’s war with Iran on June 13th, Iranian officials have reported a surge in sabotage efforts within its borders, including drone strikes, car bombings, and psychological operations involving tire fires—many of which Tehran claims are being carried out by Mossad-linked networks and foreign agents.
Iranian authorities have stated that dozens of operatives have been detained in recent weeks, and several clandestine drone production sites allegedly linked to sabotage efforts have been uncovered. On Friday, Iranian officials issued a deadline for foreign intelligence collaborators—particularly those linked to Mossad or other foreign agencies—to surrender themselves and any drone equipment in exchange for amnesty. According to the Basij, the volunteer militia of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), dozens reportedly turned themselves in by Sunday.
Foreign nationals have increasingly featured among those arrested, including Afghan and German citizens. Last week, a German national was detained for photographing military installations, according to Iranian state media.
If confirmed, the presence of Ukrainian intelligence operatives inside Iran would mark a significant development and align with a pattern Iran and Russia have both pointed to—allegations that Ukrainian operatives are operating in theaters where Russian forces or their allies are engaged.
In July of last year, Ukrainian officials admitted to providing intelligence support to Al-Qaeda-linked insurgents in Mali, following an ambush that killed dozens of Russian and Malian soldiers. Russian sources claimed that captured drones and phones from the militants contained Ukrainian markings and intelligence documents.
Separately, Russian intelligence has alleged that Ukrainian operatives were involved in drone training programs for Syrian jihadist groups in Idlib Province prior to the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s government—accusations Kyiv has not publicly addressed.