Iran's Minister of Intelligence: Terrorist Elements Arrested Before Elections

Mahmoud Alavi, Iran's Minister of Intelligence, stated that individuals intending to carry out "terrorist" actions during the elections on March 7 were identified and arrested at the southeastern and western borders of the country. In a press conference in Tehran on Sunday, March 9, Alavi said these individuals aimed to disrupt the security atmosphere of the elections for the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Assembly of Experts. According to Alavi, the Ministry of Intelligence and other security agencies identified and arrested a "terrorist element" at the southeastern border and a four-member team at the western border. He mentioned that one of the "takfiri elements" was identified and arrested at the southeastern border on January 19. The minister noted that this individual was carrying "two remote-controlled homemade bombs, half a kilogram of explosives along with a fuse, a remote control, and a magnetic bomb." According to IRNA news agency, Alavi reported the second identification and discovery of a "terrorist act" at the western borders, adding that "a terrorist group from outside the country was attempting to enter Iran from the western borders to carry out terrorist operations, and we, along with other security agencies, have placed the borders and border areas under control." Alavi stated that on March 5, a four-member team was identified, which possessed numerous items related to suicide and explosive operations. He described the items confiscated from these individuals as "six suicide vests, nine electronic detonators, 1.5 kilograms of RDX explosive powder, and four electronic timer sensors, all designed for suicide operations." The Minister of Intelligence had previously stated on January 18 that in the past two and a half years, dozens of terrorist cases had been identified and neutralized in cities across Iran, including Tehran. He referred to plans for explosions and suicide operations at metro stations, markets, and Friday prayers in Tehran and other cities in Iran, including Zahedan and Shiraz, which he claimed were discovered and neutralized. Mahmoud Alavi also mentioned that the ministry had guided and dissuaded 1,500 youths who intended to join "terrorist" groups. In this context, the "bombing rumor" at a metro station in Tehran was denied. The presence of special units in Tehran has increased for "training to counter threats." The commander of the IRGC stated that many ISIS teams have been arrested in Kermanshah province. The changing battlefield of "proxy forces"; war against the people in the streets of Iran. The first paragraph; the responsibility of opponents and the possibility of radicalization in Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iran crisis. Trump: I hope there is no need for further action regarding Iran; they killed people indiscriminately. The shadow of war over Tehran; "Trump is seeking decisive military options against Iran." Trump says if the Islamic Republic assassinates him, "it will be wiped off the face of the earth." Trump emphasizes "stopping executions in Iran": we do not know what will happen in the future. A senior U.S. official: The Trump administration is closely monitoring the case of Reza Valizadeh.