The semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that 20 people were detained in northwestern Iran after the provincial prosecutor’s office accused them of transmitting location details of military and security facilities to Israel.

Tasnim also reported the arrest of 10 individuals in northeastern Iran, a region that has so far remained largely untouched by the ongoing air strikes. According to the report, some of those detained were suspected of gathering information about sensitive sites and economic infrastructure.

Iran’s security agencies have intensified internal surveillance and arrests since Israeli and U.S. forces launched a series of strikes against targets in the country. Authorities have repeatedly warned of espionage networks operating inside Iran and accused Israel of attempting to exploit domestic unrest.

A provincial branch of the intelligence organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Israel and the United States were attempting to activate “mercenaries and spies” to trigger unrest alongside military operations, according to Tasnim.

Separately, the Student News Network reported that three people were detained in the western province of Lorestan on accusations of attempting to “disturb public opinion” and burn mourning symbols.

A source briefed on Israel’s military strategy told Reuters earlier this week that Israeli forces had begun targeting security checkpoints based on tip-offs from informants inside Iran, marking what the source described as a new phase in the military campaign.

In January, weeks before the United States and Israel launched the current war against Iran, the country experienced widespread anti-government protests. Iranian authorities responded with a crackdown that officials described as necessary to restore order, while blaming Israel and the United States for encouraging what they called violent riots aimed at overthrowing the clerical establishment.

The latest arrests underscore Iran’s growing focus on internal security as the conflict widens and authorities seek to curb suspected intelligence leaks and dissent during the ongoing military confrontation.

The aircraft was conducting aerial refueling missions tied to the ongoing U.S. strikes on Iran when the crash occurred. The U.S. military said the incident involved another aircraft but was not caused by hostile action or friendly fire. Officials said the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

Three of the airmen were assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base. The Defense Department identified them as Major John A. Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; and Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky.

The remaining three airmen served with the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base. They were identified as Captain Seth R. Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.

U.S. officials have not released further details about the sequence of events leading to the crash as the investigation continues.