Mossad helps arrest two Iranians in plot to attack Israelis in Cyprus

In a statement on Sunday, the Mossad said that Iran has escalated attempts to harm Israelis across the world since October 7.

 An authentic and fake Iranian ID gathered by the Mossad in Cyprus (photo credit: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE)
An authentic and fake Iranian ID gathered by the Mossad in Cyprus
(photo credit: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE)

Two Iranians have been detained in Cyprus with the help of the Mossad for questioning over suspected planning of attacks on Israeli citizens living in Cyprus.

In a statement on Sunday, the Mossad said that Iran has escalated attempts to harm Israelis across the world since October 7.

The two individuals were believed to be in the early stages of gathering intelligence on potential Israeli targets, the Kathimerini Cyprus newspaper said without citing sources.

The paper added that the Iranians were political refugees in contact with a person linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.

A senior Cyprus official declined to comment, citing policy on issues concerning national security.

 Iran's police forces stand on a street in Tehran, Iran, April 15, 2023 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)
Iran's police forces stand on a street in Tehran, Iran, April 15, 2023 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

Barely a 40-minute flight from Israel, Cyprus is a popular holiday and investment destination for thousands of Israelis.

Iranian attacks against Israelis in Cyprus

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in June said that an Iranian attack against Israeli targets in Cyprus had been thwarted. Tehran denied being behind any alleged plot to attack Israelis in Cyprus.