Iranian authorities have arrested several prominent reformist politicians, accusing them of attempting to undermine the country’s political and social order and alleging links with the United States and Israel, state-affiliated media reported on Sunday. The arrests come amid heightened regional tensions and what officials describe as growing external military threats.
According to Iran’s judiciary and security sources, the detainees are accused of engaging in activities aimed at weakening national unity and exploiting domestic unrest. Authorities claim the individuals coordinated statements and actions that aligned with the interests of foreign adversaries, seeking to destabilize the political system at a sensitive time for the country.
Those detained reportedly include senior figures from Iran’s reformist camp, among them Azar Mansouri, a leading reformist politician, as well as veteran activists Ebrahim Asgharzadeh and former deputy foreign minister Mohsen Aminzadeh. Several other members of reformist political groups have either been detained or summoned for questioning, though officials have not released a full list of names.
Judicial officials said formal charges have been filed against multiple individuals, citing offenses such as acting against national security, spreading propaganda, and disrupting public order. State media emphasized that the arrests were conducted within the framework of the law and were necessary to counter what authorities described as coordinated internal and external pressure.
The detentions follow weeks of unrest in parts of Iran and coincide with escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington, as well as continued hostility with Israel. Iranian officials have repeatedly accused foreign governments of encouraging instability inside the country, an allegation rejected by reformist figures and rights groups.
Reformist parties and activists have criticized the arrests, calling them politically motivated and warning they could further narrow Iran’s political space. Authorities, however, insist the measures are aimed at safeguarding national security and maintaining social stability during a period of regional uncertainty.