Turkish authorities have detained six people, including an Iranian national, on suspicion of political and military espionage linked to Iran, following coordinated operations across five provinces, according to state broadcaster TRT.
The arrests, announced on Wednesday, came after a joint investigation led by Istanbul prosecutors in cooperation with anti terrorism police units and Turkey’s intelligence service. Officials said the suspects were accused of collecting sensitive information inside Turkey and abroad and passing it to Iranian intelligence networks.
According to TRT, investigators believe the group worked in coordination with members of the intelligence arm of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The suspects are alleged to have gathered details on military bases and other restricted locations.
Authorities also said the group carried out reconnaissance activities near the NATO run Incirlik air base in the southeastern province of Adana. TRT reported that investigators suspect some of the detainees were involved in transporting drones through Turkey for use in third countries and sharing operational information with Iranian intelligence handlers.
Read Also: EU Sanctions On Iran Expand As Bloc Moves To List IRGC
Turkey’s interior ministry has not released further details on the identities of the suspects or the precise charges they may face, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The detentions take place at a sensitive moment for regional politics. Iran has experienced its most widespread unrest in decades, while facing renewed pressure from Washington over its nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Tehran of severe consequences if it resumes nuclear activity or intensifies crackdowns on protesters. He has said the United States has deployed what he described as an “armada” to the Middle East as a signal to Iranian authorities.
Read Also: Trump Warns Iran Time Is Running Out On Nuclear Deal
Against this backdrop, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is scheduled to visit Turkey on Friday for talks with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. The discussions are expected to cover developments in Iran and rising tensions with the United States, according to Turkish media reports.
Turkey has long positioned itself as a key regional actor balancing ties with both Tehran and Washington.