Iran says 6,500 arrested since start of war as CENTCOM calls Tehran global threat

TEHRAN, May 18: Iran’s police chief Ahmadreza Radan said security forces have arrested 6,500 people since the outbreak of the war involving the United States and Israel on Feb. 28, describing those detained as “traitors” and “spies.”

Radan said the arrests were part of ongoing security operations across the country and added that detentions linked to the nationwide protests that erupted in January were continuing.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran poses a “clear threat” to global security and regional stability, according to remarks cited by Al Arabiya on Sunday.

The spokesperson accused Tehran of carrying out deliberate attacks against civilians in the region and claimed Iran launched missiles from densely populated areas during the conflict.

CENTCOM further stated that US operations targeting Iran had been “highly effective” and said measures were being enforced to counter Iran’s alleged use of the Strait of Hormuz as a means of threatening freedom of navigation and regional maritime security.