A Norway-based human rights organisation has reported that Iranian authorities have detained more than 3,600 people in connection with the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
The group, Iran Human Rights (IHR), said on Tuesday that the arrests are linked to accusations including espionage, sharing sensitive material with foreign media outlets, and alleged contact with foreign intelligence networks.
According to the report, some of those detained are also accused of using Starlink satellite internet equipment to evade state-imposed internet restrictions.
Others are alleged to have connections with opposition groups, including monarchist movements.
IHR stated that at least 3,646 arrests have been recorded since the conflict began on February 28. It added that a further 767 detentions reportedly occurred after the ceasefire phase began on April 8.
The organisation warned that the actual number could be higher due to strict communication blackouts and limited access to information inside Iran.
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The rights group also said more than 100 civil society activists are among those detained. Among them is prominent human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was reportedly arrested on April 2.
Her family said she managed a brief phone call from custody but was not allowed to disclose her location.
Another high-profile figure, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, remains imprisoned. Her foundation has raised concerns that her health condition is deteriorating while in detention.
The wave of arrests comes amid rising political tension and instability in Iran, as regional hostilities linked to the wider Middle East conflict continue to escalate.
