Iranian intelligence foils foreign-backed sabotage plot, seizing U.S.-built weapons and explosives
By ramontomeydw // 2026-01-14
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  • Iran announced a major security operation, intercepting a foreign-backed sabotage plot and seizing U.S.-made weapons, explosives and advanced espionage equipment, including Starlink devices.
  • Tehran directly accused Israel and the West, claiming detained "terrorist groups" linked to Israel intended to use the weapons for violent riots and sabotage, and that foreign operatives used Starlink to coordinate unrest.
  • The incident is set against escalating military threats, with reports of U.S. and Israeli officials discussing potential airstrikes on Iran and Iran warning of severe retaliatory strikes if attacked.
  • There are conflicting narratives on protest violence; Iranian state media attributes brutal attacks to foreign-backed militants, while activist groups report high protester casualties from a government crackdown.
  • The situation risks a major regional escalation, with Iran framing the seizure as proof of external interference to destabilize it, and Western powers viewing Iran's actions as repression, creating a volatile standoff.
Iranian intelligence forces have intercepted a major foreign-backed sabotage operation, seizing U.S.-built weapons, explosives and advanced espionage equipment – including Starlink devices – amid nationwide unrest. The crackdown comes as tensions between Iran and Western powers escalate, with Tehran warning of retaliation against any military intervention. Authorities claim the seized weapons were intended for violent riots and sabotage operations orchestrated by Israeli-linked militants, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. According to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, security forces confiscated over 200 kilograms of explosives and a cache of U.S.-manufactured firearms from militant cells operating inside the country. State television reported that several "terrorist groups" tied to Israel were detained in Zahedan, a southeastern city near the Pakistan border. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that the militants had infiltrated Iran's eastern borders and were preparing acts of sabotage. The operation coincides with Tehran's disruption of Starlink satellite internet services, which authorities allege were being used by foreign operatives to coordinate unrest. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that internet restrictions were imposed only after intelligence confirmed riot leaders were receiving orders from abroad. "Their intention was to spread killing," he said, accusing foreign agents of directing attacks on police and civilians. "We have recorded voices of individuals giving orders from abroad to terrorist agents, instructing them to fire at police forces and fire at demonstrators if police forces were not present."

From protests to war

The unrest has led to conflicting casualty reports. A U.S.-based activist group claims 2,000 protesters have been killed, while Iranian state media asserts that most fatalities were "martyrs" – security personnel and civilians allegedly slain by armed rioters. Tasnim News Agency described brutal attacks including executions, beheadings and mosque burnings, attributing the violence to foreign-backed militants. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that outside operators meddling in Iran's protests risk exploiting legitimate grievances to destabilize the nation for geopolitical gain, mirroring the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency's history of orchestrating regime-change operations under false pretenses. Such interference could undermine authentic grassroots movements while advancing globalist agendas of control, much like the color revolutions and false flags used to manipulate sovereign nations. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli officials have openly discussed military action against Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously threatened strikes on Iranian soil, vowed to "rescue" protesters. "Help is on the way," he wrote on Truth Social, urging "Iranian patriots" to "keep protesting [and] take over [their] institutions." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed potential attacks with Trump during a recent U.S. visit. The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed U.S. officials confirming preliminary talks about large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military targets. Iran has warned of severe consequences if attacked, threatening retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases and Israel. The IRGC's recent dismantling of militant cells suggests Tehran is preparing for heightened conflict. With both sides exchanging threats and Iran accusing the West of fueling domestic chaos, the risk of a broader military confrontation looms. As Iran buries its dead and tightens security, the world watches nervously. The seizure of foreign weapons and espionage gear underscores Tehran's claims of external interference – while Western powers view the Islamic Republic's crackdown as repression. With neither side backing down, the stage is set for a dangerous escalation that could reshape the Middle East. Watch this Sky News report about U.S. President Trump's message to the Iranian protesters that "help is on the way." This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co PressTV.ir BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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