Iran's Revolutionary Guards Accuse 10 Foreign Intelligence Services of Orchestrating Terrorist Incidents
In a significant development, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) announced on Friday, January 23, 2026, that 10 foreign intelligence services were responsible for recent terrorist incidents within the country. The statement, released through the official IRGC outlet Sepah News, described these events as components of a broader, unsuccessful strategy by the United States and Israel to undermine Iran's national and territorial integrity.
Allegations of a Coordinated Foreign Plot
The IRGC asserted that these incidents were part of a failed US-Israeli plan designed to threaten Iran's stability. According to the statement, a foreign command room was established following a 12-day conflict in June, with the objective of creating internal chaos, provoking military intervention, and mobilizing groups perceived as threats. The IRGC did not provide specific evidence to support these claims but emphasized the disruptive nature of the alleged operations.
From June through late December, the IRGC reported successfully disrupting these plots, resulting in the detention of 735 individuals linked to what they termed anti-security networks. Additionally, they guided 11,000 vulnerable individuals and seized 743 illegal weapons, highlighting their efforts to maintain security and order amidst the turmoil.
Political Backing and International Reactions
In a related development, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf characterized the recent unrest as a quasi-coup backed by the United States and Israel. His remarks, reported by the official IRNA news agency, were made during a Thursday phone call with his Turkish counterpart, Numan Kurtulmus. Ghalibaf expressed gratitude to Türkiye for its policy of non-interference in Iran's domestic affairs, underscoring the diplomatic dimensions of the situation.
Context of the Unrest and Broader Implications
The accusations come against a backdrop of widespread protests that erupted across Iran last month. Initially driven by economic grievances, these demonstrations gradually assumed a political dimension, escalating into violence that resulted in casualties and extensive damage to public property, including mosques, government buildings, and banks. Iranian authorities have consistently blamed the United States and Israel for inciting the unrest, framing it as part of a larger geopolitical struggle.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the region and the complex interplay between domestic unrest and international intelligence operations. The IRGC's claims, while unverified, reflect the heightened security concerns and the persistent allegations of foreign interference in Iran's internal affairs.
