Recent reports indicate that Iranian authorities claimed to have discovered and dismantled a drone manufacturing facility in Tehran, alleged...
Recent reports indicate that Iranian authorities claimed to have discovered and dismantled a drone manufacturing facility in Tehran, allegedly operated by Israel's Mossad intelligence agency. According to sources like The Tribune and ANI News, Iranian security forces arrested two individuals in connection with this facility in the Fashafuyeh district of Ray County, south of Tehran, on June 17, 2025. They reportedly seized over 200 kilograms of explosives, components for 23 drones, launchers, and a Nissan pickup truck used for transportation. The Iranian narrative, as reported by IRGC-linked Tasnim news agency and others, suggests this was a covert Israeli operation aimed at conducting sabotage missions within Iran.
However, there are conflicting accounts. The Wall Street Journal reported on June 15, 2025, that Israel did not manufacture drones inside Iran but instead smuggled drone components into the country over an extended period. These components were assembled into explosive-laden quadcopter drones by Israeli teams for precision strikes, particularly during Israel’s Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025. This operation targeted Iranian nuclear sites, military assets, and leadership, with drones used to neutralize air defenses and missile launchers.
Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments. Some users, like @FinPlanKaluAja1
, claim Israel set up a drone factory in Tehran employing unaware Iranians, while others, like @EYakoby
, mock the idea as part of Iranian propaganda, suggesting inconsistencies in Iran's claims about Israeli operations. These posts, however, are not conclusive evidence and reflect speculative or unverified opinions. The evidence leans toward Israel conducting covert operations involving drones inside Iran, but whether a fully operational "factory" existed is disputed. Iranian sources assert a manufacturing hub was uncovered, while Western sources, like The Wall Street Journal, suggest the drones were assembled from smuggled parts rather than produced in a dedicated facility. Without independent verification, the full extent of the operation remains unclear. The conflicting narratives suggest both sides may be shaping the story for strategic purposes—Iran to highlight internal security successes, and Israel to emphasize its intelligence capabilities.
Based on GROK3 analysis on 17th June 2025.
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