Concerns are mounting that the Iranian government is using its conflict with Israel as a pretext to intensify repression at home. On Wednesday, Iran executed three individuals accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad, and arrested over 700 others suspected of espionage or collaboration.According to Tasnim, a semi-official news outlet tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the executed individuals allegedly smuggled assassination tools into the country disguised as alcohol shipments. These tools were reportedly used in the killing of a public figure.In a separate report, the state-aligned Fars News Agency claimed that more than 700 people—labeled as “Israeli mercenaries”—were detained over the past 12 days. This wave of arrests and executions follows a temporary pause in hostilities between Iran and Israel, after U.S. President Donald Trump demanded a ceasefire. The conflict had escalated following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 13.Protests have broken out in Tehran, with demonstrators calling for continued retaliation against Israel and the United States. However, experts warn that Iran’s response may be turning inward.“This crackdown was inevitable,” said Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House. “I think it’s going to be quite extensive and quite prolonged.” She described the actions as a predictable move from a regime known for its repressive tactics.Iran has a long history of executing individuals accused of spying for Mossad. While suspicions of infiltration have increased—especially after Israeli media aired footage allegedly showing Mossad agents launching attacks from inside Iran—NBC News has not independently verified the claims.Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, recently called for the swift sentencing of alleged collaborators. Meanwhile, human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, are raising alarms. They warn that these arrests and executions may be based on little or no evidence.Kenneth Roth, former head of Human Rights Watch, echoed these concerns: “There is deep reason for concern that people will be accused, convicted, and sentenced for helping Israel on the basis of flimsy if any evidence,” he said, highlighting Iran’s poor record on due process.Adding to the fears, Iran has imposed near-total internet blackouts, which the Communications Ministry claims are aimed at preventing Israeli cyberattacks. Critics argue the shutdowns are more likely intended to suppress internal dissent.Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, suggested that the crackdown may be a strategic move to divert attention from failures by Iran’s leadership. “The manhunt for spies likely serves to deflect scrutiny from top officials who failed to prevent Israeli intelligence operations,” she said.Amid ongoing tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had urged Iranians to “let your voices be heard.” But Vakil dismissed this call as unrealistic. “Under aerial bombardment, most people shelter in place, not rise up against a deeply entrenched repressive regime,” she said.As the crackdown intensifies, uncertainty looms over the future of Iran’s population—now caught between external threats and increasing domestic repression.
