ISTANBUL – Turkish authorities have detained five individuals accused of spying for Iran by leaking sensitive information on military bases and critical infrastructure, prosecutors said on Friday.
The suspects were apprehended in coordinated raids across Istanbul, Antalya, and Mersin provinces. According to a statement from the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office, they were allegedly in contact with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Intelligence Organization.
The operation was carried out jointly by the prosecutor’s office and Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT). Authorities said the suspects had gathered intelligence on Turkish military installations and strategic locations, transmitting the information to Iranian handlers. No details were provided regarding the suspects’ nationalities or specific roles.
There was no immediate response from Iranian officials.
The arrest came following a minor escalation between Iran and Türkiye following Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s warning late last month to Tehran against actions that could undermine Syria’s stability, which led to the summoning of the Turkish and Iranian ambassadors by Tehran and Ankara.
Turkish authorities have previously accused Iran of conducting espionage operations on multiple occasions.
Türkiye and Iran, neighboring regional powers, have long maintained a complex relationship. Despite Western sanctions on Tehran, Türkiye remains a key trade partner. However, the two nations have found themselves supporting opposing sides in regional conflicts, including those in Syria and the South Caucasus.
XINHUA