Iran: Israeli-linked spies intended to kill expert

Ynetnews -- Iran's official news agency released additional details about the 15 Iranian and foreign nationals who have been arrested for allegedly spying for Israel, attempted assassination and sabotage.

The Tuesday IRNA report said the group planned to assassinate an Iranian expert as well sabotage the country's infrastructure. It said the group used Israeli diplomatic missions in Western counties to prepare plans.

The expert's field was not identified. In the past, Tehran has accused Israel of being responsible for the killings of its nuclear scientists.

The latest report did not elaborate on nationality of the foreign detainees. It claimed Iranian intelligence also uncovered a spy base of Mossad in a neighboring country.

Last week, IRNA said that Iran had identified a "major" Israeli-affiliated terrorist group and had arrested some of its members. According to the report, several "mercenaries" were arrested in different parts of the country and that large quantities of weaponry and telecommunications equipment were seized.

The semi-official Fars news agency said the suspects were arrested "while preparing to carry out terrorist acts", adding that a considerable number of bombs, machine guns, military and communication equipments were seized.

Iran periodically announces the capture or execution of alleged US or Israeli spies, and often no further information is released.