Iran says 17 detained in Ilam over alleged ‘destructive network’ linked to unrest

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran’s Intelligence Ministry said 17 people were detained in the western city of Ilam on charges of running and belonging to an external-linked “destructive network,” according to the official IRNA news agency. A ministry statement said three field managers in Ilam, Malekshahi and Sirable, identified by the initials M.E.M.K. and R.F., were among those arrested. All three had prior criminal records, according to the ministry. The detentions were linked to events in the Iranian calendar month of Dey (December 2025–January 2026), which authorities have described as a failed coup attempt, the statement said. The suspects face charges of disrupting public order, damaging public property, arson, shooting weapons, and filming footage to incite unrest. Security forces said they raided the group’s hideout, seizing three TNT explosive devices, a Kalashnikov rifle and bladed weapons. No further details on the suspects or the investigation were immediately available.