Iran announces arrests, says US and Israel suffering defeats'

"The Ministry of Intelligence said in a statement that 111 pro-monarchy cells in 26 of Iran's 31 provinces were stopped overnight into Wednesday from launching acts opposing the country's theocratic establishment that toppled a US-backed monarchy in a 1979 Islamic revolution."

"As Iran imposes a total internet shutdown on more than 92 million people for a third week, the ministry said 21 people were arrested specifically for sending videos to terrorist media outlets outside the country. It said two shipments containing 350 Starlink satellite internet terminals were confiscated while being smuggled into Iran."

"But authorities urged pro-establishment backers this year to take to the streets and retain control while security forces arrest any dissidents, amid the US-Israel war on Iran."

Iranian authorities announced mass arrests of hundreds of people across 26 of the country's 31 provinces, targeting what they describe as pro-monarchy cells and individuals allegedly aligned with US and Israeli interests. The Ministry of Intelligence reported stopping 111 such cells overnight into Wednesday. During the Chaharshanbe Suri fire festival preceding Nowruz, authorities mobilized pro-establishment supporters to maintain control while security forces arrested dissidents. The government confiscated weapons from detainees and reported arresting 21 people for sending videos to foreign media outlets. Two shipments containing 350 Starlink terminals were intercepted during smuggling attempts. An internet shutdown affecting over 92 million people continued into its third week. Casualties from fireworks-related incidents during the festival were reported lower than previous years.

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