Iranian intelligence disbands MKO terror cell in southeastern Tehran
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Iranian intelligence disbanded a cell linked to the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) in Pakdasht County, southeast Tehran.
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Women carry Iranian flags under the Azadi (Freedom) monument tower during a rally commemorating anniversary of 1979 Islamic Revolution in Tehran, Iran, Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iranian intelligence forces announced that they successfully disbanded a sabotage cell affiliated with the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization (MKO) in the southeastern part of Tehran, according to Pakdasht County Governor Mohammad Hassanpour.
Hassanpour announced on Tuesday that the three-member group was actively working to disrupt public order and create instability in the area. Iranian security agencies were able to identify and apprehend the cell members following a comprehensive surveillance operation.
He emphasized that "enemies have continuously sought to recruit agents to carry out violent activities and organize sabotage teams." All three detainees are currently undergoing specialized interrogations. "The Judiciary and security forces will decisively deal with any criminal action against public security, and will not allow hostile elements to infiltrate [into the country] and operate," Hassanpour asserted.
MKO's role in destabilization efforts
The MKO has a long history of violence against Iranian civilians and officials. Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, nearly 17,000 Iranians have been killed in terrorist attacks, with approximately 12,000 attributed to the MKO.
Iranian state media continues to describe the MKO as a "terrorist cult" backed by Western powers and "Israel," used to destabilize the country. The group's previous alliance with Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War remains a point of contention, and its current operations in Europe, particularly in Albania and France, have drawn condemnation from Tehran.
The dismantling of the sabotage cell comes on the heels of other significant Iranian intelligence operations targeting MKO terrorists. On July 27, 2025, Iran executed two MKO members, Mehdi Hassani (48) and Behrouz Ehsani Eslamloo (69), on charges including armed insurrection and "waging war against God" (moharebeh). They were convicted of launching mortars at civilian structures in Tehran and manufacturing improvised weapons.
Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence had earlier announced that it dismantled MKO-affiliated cells across multiple provinces as part of operations conducted during the 12-day war with "Israel."
