US EditionTurkish Authorities Arrest 6 on Suspicion of Spying for Iran
Six suspects, including five Turkish and one Iranian, were arrested for spying on NATO's Incirlik Air Base and attempting drone transfers amid rising regional tensions.
- On Jan. 28, 2026, Turkish authorities arrested six people, including Iranian national Ashkan Jalali, suspected of spying for Iran and remanded them after coordinated raids across five provinces.
- Allegedly linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, the network used encrypted messaging codename `Pigeon` and drone‑trade cover, with suspects led by agents NR and MYD, Turkish investigators say.
- Investigators detail that the cell conducted reconnaissance of Incirlik Air Base and that AJ tried to ship armed drones to Cyprus, while AK, AJ, EE, and TO attended drone training in Iran in 2025.
- Amid a regional military build‑up this week, the arrests come as tensions rise over a possible U.S. strike on Iran and the USS Abraham Lincoln's arrival, prompting Turkey's contingency planning for refugee arrivals and discussions by Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister.
- Earlier this month, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that U.S. and Israeli facilities would be legitimate targets if hostilities erupt, while authorities have not disclosed drone transfer details, raising security concerns.
26 Articles
26 Articles
Six People Accused of Spying for Iran Were Detained in Turkey. What Evidence Did Investigators Find?
Turkish authorities have detained six people suspected of spying for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, monitoring military targets and other strategic sites across the country, local media reported on Wednesday.
Five Turks and one Iranian made up the spy network - They operated in five cities, including Ankara and Istanbul - They extracted information from military bases and sent it to the Revolutionary Guards
Turkish Authorities Detain Suspects in Iranian Spy Ring
Turkish authorities have detained six people, including an Iranian, for allegedly spying for Iran. The suspects, linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, are accused of gathering intel on military sites. Detained on espionage charges, their arrest heightens regional tensions amid concerns over potential US-Iran conflict.
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