Iran says it detained 21,000 suspects during June war with Israel

Iran’s police said they detained 21,000 people during the 12-day air war between Israel and Iran in June, state media reported on Tuesday.

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Police spokesperson Gen. Saeed Montazeralmahdi said the arrests were based on public reports, adding that the detentions showed “high awareness and participation of people in providing security.”

He said more than 260 people were suspected of spying and another 172 were arrested for illegal filming. Over 1,000 checkpoints were set up nationwide during the conflict, which took place from June 13 to 24.

This is the first time Iran has provided a total figure for arrests during the war. In recent weeks, authorities have occasionally reported detentions on espionage charges. Since late June, Iran has executed seven men convicted of spying for Israel, raising concerns among activists of a possible wave of executions.

Israel carried out waves of airstrikes on Iran during the conflict, killing nearly 1,100 people, including several military commanders. Retaliatory Iranian strikes killed 28 people in Israel.

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