Iran’s intelligence agency has made a series of explosive allegations at a time when the country is facing one of its most serious internal crises in years. Amid widespread protests, economic distress, and an intensified security crackdown, Iranian authorities claim they have uncovered U.S.-manufactured weapons, large quantities of explosives, and illegally smuggled Starlink satellite internet equipment hidden inside residential properties across the country. Tehran argues that these discoveries point to a coordinated foreign-backed effort to destabilize the Islamic Republic, allegedly involving the United States, Israel, and neighboring Pakistan.
Seizure of Weapons and Explosives
On January 13, 2026, Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence announced that security forces had seized U.S.-made firearms, ammunition, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and more than 200 kilograms of explosives from multiple homes in different provinces. According to state officials, the materials were linked to what they described as “organized terrorist cells” allegedly backed and directed by Washington and Tel Aviv.
Iranian intelligence statements claim these cells were preparing targeted assassinations, acts of infrastructure sabotage, and violent operations aimed at exploiting public anger over inflation and economic hardship. Officials say the goal was to push the country toward chaos during a period of heightened vulnerability following months of protests and economic decline.
State-affiliated media further alleged that audio recordings exist in which foreign operatives can be heard directing activities inside Iran. However, no such recordings or independent evidence have been released publicly, leading Western governments and critics to question the credibility of the claims.
Alleged Smuggling Route Through Pakistan
One of the most sensitive aspects of Iran’s allegations concerns Pakistan. Iranian intelligence officials assert that the suspected cells entered Iran from Pakistan, crossing through the southeastern region near Zahedan, an area long associated with smuggling networks and porous borders. Tehran claims both weapons and Starlink satellite equipment were smuggled through this route.
Iranian commentators and officials accuse Pakistan of actively assisting U.S. and Israeli intelligence efforts, portraying Islamabad as a military-dominated state acting as a proxy for foreign powers. These accusations tap into long-standing grievances, particularly Pakistan’s past cooperation with U.S. military operations in Afghanistan, which Iran and many in the region view as having caused widespread civilian suffering.
Pakistan has categorically denied these allegations. Its government maintains that it respects Iran’s sovereignty and has no role in destabilizing its neighbor. Nevertheless, mistrust remains high, especially as Pakistan finds itself increasingly isolated in regional narratives, while most Gulf nations have publicly opposed U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.
Starlink and the Information Battlefield
Alongside weapons seizures, Iranian authorities have highlighted the role of Starlink satellite internet terminals. Since June 2025, possession of Starlink equipment in Iran has been criminalized under espionage laws, with severe penalties for those accused of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies.
Iran claims it seized a “huge shipment” of Starlink terminals smuggled into the country illegally, allegedly through Pakistan. During the protests, Starlink was widely used to bypass government internet restrictions, allowing protesters to communicate and share information with the outside world.
Tehran views Starlink not as a neutral communications tool but as a strategic asset enabling surveillance, coordination of unrest, and what it describes as “information warfare.” In early January 2026, Iran deployed electronic warfare systems to jam satellite signals and imposed internet blackouts. According to state media, protest activity declined significantly after these measures, while rallies opposing foreign interference reportedly increased.
Protests, Foreign Influence, and Domestic Grievances
Iranian officials argue that while economic grievances are real, the protests were deliberately amplified and manipulated by foreign intelligence agencies. They claim CIA and Mossad operatives posed as protesters, escalated violence, and attempted to transform economic unrest into a full-scale regime destabilization effort.
Critics counter that Tehran uses allegations of foreign interference to deflect responsibility for inflation, corruption, and political repression. However, analysts note that foreign powers have historically exploited genuine domestic grievances in other countries, suggesting the two explanations are not mutually exclusive.
Iran’s economy remains under severe strain. Inflation, currency devaluation, and declining living standards have fueled widespread frustration. Yet many Iranians have also expressed opposition to foreign intervention, arguing that external interference undermines the country’s right to self-determination.
Rejection of Foreign-Backed Alternatives
Despite some protesters invoking Iran’s pre-revolutionary past, even Israeli media outlets have acknowledged that Reza Pahlavi, son of the former Shah, is unpopular among large segments of Iranian society. Many Iranians fear replacing one authoritarian system with another backed by foreign powers.
The prevailing sentiment among many citizens is not a rejection of reform, but a rejection of externally imposed solutions. Calls for political and economic change are increasingly framed around national sovereignty and independence from foreign manipulation.
Iran’s intelligence claims, whether fully substantiated or not, reflect a broader struggle unfolding at the intersection of domestic crisis and geopolitical rivalry. The alleged discovery of U.S.-made weapons, Starlink smuggling, and accusations against Pakistan underscore Tehran’s belief that it is facing a coordinated external effort to destabilize the country.
At the same time, Iran’s internal challenges—economic hardship, inflation, and political discontent—remain undeniable. The unfolding crisis highlights a central tension: a population demanding change while resisting foreign interference. As Iran navigates this turbulent period, the outcome will likely hinge not only on security measures, but on whether meaningful domestic reforms can address public grievances without opening the door to external manipulation.
