Iranian police said they have arrested a man in Tehran whom they identified as working for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, amid protests in the capital and several other provinces. In a statement released Monday, police said the individual was detained while operating among protesters and was alleged to have acted as a liaison with protest organizers. Authorities released video footage they described as parts of the suspect’s confessions, in which he outlined alleged methods of recruitment, training, and communication.

According to the police account, the suspect said he was recruited through social media and contacted by an organization based in Germany. He stated that people were selected based on online activity on platforms such as Instagram and Telegram, and that instructions, training, and monitoring were carried out remotely via phone calls and messaging. He also said he was directed to purchase specific equipment, attend public areas, chant slogans, record videos, and send the material to handlers.

Iranian officials said security forces have carried out targeted arrests of individuals accused of inciting unrest during recent protests, which authorities say began after a decline in the national currency in late December. Senior officials, including the police chief and parliament speaker, have stated that peaceful protest is permitted but that those linked to foreign intelligence services or accused of turning protests into violence will be dealt with separately. Iran’s leadership has reiterated calls for dialogue with protesters who have economic grievances while maintaining that security-related offenses will be addressed by law.