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.

David Sacks, who serves as the White House crypto and artificial intelligence adviser, made the remarks during an appearance on the “All-In Podcast,” describing the current moment as an opportunity for the United States to step back from the conflict.

“This is a good time to declare victory and get out,” Sacks said, adding that U.S. operations had degraded Iran’s military capabilities. He also said Washington should look for what he described as an “off-ramp” to prevent further escalation.

Sacks said avoiding a prolonged conflict would require diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions. “If escalation doesn’t lead anywhere good, then you have to think about how do you de-escalate,” he said. “De-escalation involves reaching some sort of ceasefire agreement or negotiated settlement with Iran.

”The remarks marked a rare public call from a prominent figure within Trump’s administration for an exit strategy from the war, which has intensified regional tensions since late February.

The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, triggering retaliatory strikes from Iran and its ally Hezbollah against Israel and other targets across the Middle East.

The fighting has rattled global financial markets and pushed oil prices higher amid concerns that wider hostilities could disrupt energy supplies from the region.

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said more than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran as a result of U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Israeli authorities say Iranian strikes have killed 12 people in Israel.The U.S. military has reported seven service members killed since the conflict began.