Iran said on Tuesday its security forces had arrested a network of agents working for Israel and had seized a cache of weapons it said were planned for use during recent unrest sparked by water shortages in the Islamic Republic, state media reported.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Iran often accuses its enemies or rivals abroad, such as Israel, the United States and Saudi Arabia, of trying to destabilize the country by stoking protests and violence.

Tuesday's announcement came after nearly two weeks of protests over water shortages, mostly in southwest Iran, which have turned political and spread to other areas.

Authorities have accused armed dissidents of provoking clashes during the street protests. Human rights groups say security forces have opened fire on protesters.

"Mossad operatives intended to use the equipment in urban riots and assassinations," an Intelligence Ministry official said, according to state media, referring to Israel's intelligence agency. The official did not give details.

The seized weapons included pistols, grenades, assault rifles and ammunition, the unnamed official said, adding: "Some of these are used to provoke clashes during protests."

There was no immediate comment from Israeli officials.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post Iran claims it detained Mossad operatives appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.

Street protests broke out overnight over severe water shortages in Iran's oil-rich southwest, according to Iranian news outlets and videos posted on social media on Friday, as the country faces its worst drought in 50 years.

Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter

Videos showed protesters setting fire to tires to block a road and security forces were seen trying to disperse the crowds as some shots were heard. Reuters could not independently verify the videos' authenticity.

"State television should report what we are saying and show the image of the buffaloes that perished from lack of water," an elderly protester said on a video carried by the regional Asrejonoob news website.

In May, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian warned of water shortages in the summer, saying this year was "one of the driest in 50 years."

Protests have erupted in the Khuzestan province of Iran over shortage of water.

Large crowds of protesters have taken to the streets in Ahvaz, the capital city of Iran's Khuzestan province. pic.twitter.com/glHPOR5QBN

— AVA TODAY (@ava_today) July 15, 2021

The water shortages have led to power blackouts and there were protest marches in several cities last week. During some protests, people vented their anger with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, chanting "Death to the dictator" and "Death to Khamenei."

In recent weeks, thousands of workers in Iran's key energy sector have held protests, seeking better wages and working conditions in southern gas fields and some refineries in big cities.

Iran's economy has tanked due to the impact of US sanctions and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowhere in the Middle East has been hit harder by the virus than Iran.

Protests by workers and pensioners have been almost unrelenting for months, with discontent growing over an economy that is suffering inflation of more than 50%, high unemployment, with some workers complaining that their wages are not being paid.

Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!

The post Not a drop to drink: Water shortages in Iran cause wave of protests appeared first on www.israelhayom.com.