Minister outlines dismantling of US spy network

Information Minister Heydar Moslehi said coordination of people with the Information Ministry resulted in striking a fatal blow on the sophisticated spy network affiliated to the US’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

Hojjatoleslam Moslehi made the remark at a news conference after the cabinet meeting on Sunday.

‘The US intelligence officials thought that they could win the trust of Iranians who traveled abroad for research and study purposes,’ he added.

Moslehi said that few Iranians were deceived by foreign intelligence agents and work for them.

Referring to the activities of 30 detained spies working for CIA in Iran, Moslehi noted that they were after gaining information in scientific, technical and energy sectors.

He pointed out that the dismantled US spy network was trying to obtain information on electricity facilities, shipping facilities, airports and customs administrations of Iran.

‘Proper planning and useful information on different sectors prevented the spies to achieve their goals,’ Moslehi added.

He said that employees of some government organizations and also some people outside these organizations became suspicious about the activities of some people who wanted to gather sensitive information and hence their cooperation resulted in their arrests.

‘The most important outcome of our operation was that the Americans did not achieve their objectives,’ information minister said.

Information Ministry on Saturday announced that it had dismantled an espionage network affiliated to the CIA and that 30 spies were arrested and 42 US intelligence officers were identified.