How Iranian Intelligence Claims to Have Targeted Mossad, MI6, and the CIA

Iran’s intelligence services particularly the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS) and the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have frequently portrayed themselves as effective counterintelligence actors that identify, disrupt, or “dismantle” foreign spy networks operating against Iranian interests. These claims often involve listing alleged operations against the intelligence services of Israel, the United Kingdom, and the United States. But assessing what has actually happened is complicated by propaganda, political agendas, and the clandestine nature of espionage.

Historic Context: Long Shadow of Intelligence Rivalry

Iran has been a theatre of intense espionage since the mid-20th century. The CIA and Secret Intelligence Service famously orchestrated the 1953 coup that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammed Mossadegh using Iranian agents like Assadollah Rashidian to influence the Shah’s decisions. This history seeded deep mistrust and an enduring focus on counterintelligence in Tehran.

During the 1979 revolution and subsequent decades, Iran’s intelligence apparatus was shaped by a perception that Western agencies were dedicated to undermining the Islamic Republic. This has driven sustained efforts to detect foreign intelligence activities inside the country.

Iran’s Claims Against Foreign Spies

Mossad Networks Iranian authorities have periodically announced that they uncovered networks of agents linked to Mossad across multiple countries. In early 2024, the intelligence ministry claimed it had identified “dozens” of Mossad-affiliated spies and alleged terrorist operatives in 28 countries, asserting that some were arrested or under surveillance. Iranian statements portrayed these as part of a “hybrid intelligence and counterintelligence” operation.

Separately, Iran has publicized claimed intelligence gains from a 2025 operation it says helped obtain millions of sensitive Israeli documents lists of officials, facility blueprints, and other material though outside verification of the scope and authenticity of these claims has been limited.

Allegations Against the CIA Iran has also asserted that it has uncovered and dismantled alleged U.S. spy rings. In 2019, the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence announced it had arrested 17 individuals purportedly acting on behalf of the CIA claims that were publicly denied by U.S. officials at the time. Historical counterintelligence operations under MOIS between 2009 and 2022 reportedly led to the arrest of several dozen suspected CIA informants, though exact evidence and independent corroboration remain scarce.

In November 2025, Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps intelligence publicly stated it had “dismantled” a network linked to both American and Israeli intelligence services on Iranian soil, again without disclosing details or independent validation.

MI6 and British Involvement Iran does not often single out MI6 to the same degree as Mossad and the CIA, but Tehran has repeatedly accused British intelligence of involvement in espionage and subversion. Independent reporting shows MI6 has publicly sought sources in hostile states through secure communications initiatives, similar to CIA approaches. However, Iranian claims of having completely neutralized such efforts are usually not independently confirmed.

The Role of Counterintelligence and Information Warfare

Iran’s intelligence narrative often serves multiple domestic and international purposes:

Deterrence: Claiming successful counterespionage can signal strength and discourage foreign intelligence operations.

Internal security messaging: Publicizing arrests of alleged spies reinforces the idea that external powers are attempting to destabilize Iran.

Political legitimacy: Portraying intelligence successes can bolster the domestic standing of security services and political leadership.

However, independent researchers caution that many reported “successes” may be politically motivated announcements or rely on confessions obtained under pressure. Courts and open evidence are rarely part of these stories, making external verification difficult.

Additionally, foreign agencies like the CIA do carry out outreach to potential sources as seen in rare Persian-language public appeals intended to establish secure with Iranians but this reflects intelligence gathering rather than hostile disruption, and Iranian authorities often frame such outreach as proof of widespread espionage.

Assessing the Bigger Picture While Iran’s intelligence services undoubtedly invest in counterintelligence and claim multiple successes against Mossad, MI6, and the CIA, the real extent of these “dismantling” is hard to determine from open sources. Intelligence operations, by definition, occur in secrecy and on both sides of the conflict, and many public statements are shaped by political goals.

What can be said with confidence is this:

Iranian counterintelligence is active and focused on detecting foreign networks.

Tehran regularly alleges discoveries and neutralizations of Western and Israeli espionage efforts.

Independent verification of the scale and impact of these claims is limited, and many such assertions are disputed or unverifiable.

Ultimately, the interplay between Iranian intelligence and its Western counterparts is complex, ongoing, and deeply influenced by geopolitical rivalry and narratives from each side should be understood in that context.

Mustapha Bature Sallama. Medical/ Science Communicator, Private Investigator, Criminal investigation and Intelligence Analysis.

International Conflict Management and Peace Building.USIP

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