Nicosia, Cyprus. Israel’s Mossad, the Israel Defense Forces and the security agency Shin Bet alleged that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps smuggled explosive drones through Turkey into Cyprus as part of a covert network targeting military bases on the island.
Alleged network across multiple countries
In a joint statement on Monday, the three Israeli agencies said the disclosure placed Cyprus at the centre of an alleged Iranian intelligence operation spanning Azerbaijan, Turkey, Greece and multiple European countries. They said Israeli authorities believe the activity was run by a dedicated IRGC unit responsible for attacks against Israeli and Western targets abroad.
Cyprus arrests cited in Israeli statement
The statement referenced a case from June in which an Azerbaijani national travelling on a British passport was charged in Cyprus with espionage and terrorism offences. Israeli authorities alleged he was arrested following a tip-off from Israeli intelligence and that he had been gathering intelligence on Israeli targets and military bases in Cyprus under direct orders from handlers in Iran.
Alleged role of Mehdi Yekeh-Dehghan
According to the Israeli statement, the operative directing activity in Cyprus and Azerbaijan was Mehdi Yekeh-Dehghan, referred to within the network as “the Doctor.” Israeli authorities said his role first came to light in January 2026 after the arrest of an operational cell in Turkey.
Claims of drone smuggling and surveillance of bases
Israeli authorities alleged that, under Yekeh-Dehghan’s direction, the cell worked to smuggle explosive drones from Iran into Turkey and onward to Cyprus, while also gathering intelligence on the US air force’s Incirlik base in Adana. They also alleged similar surveillance operations targeted the Souda naval base in Crete, with personnel ordered to photograph and collect reconnaissance.
Crete arrest and alleged leadership of the network
Israeli authorities said an Azerbaijani national travelling on a Polish passport was arrested in Crete in June 2025 on espionage charges. They alleged the broader network was headed by Rahman Moqadam, who they said led IRGC Unit 4000, the Special Operations Division within the IRGC’s intelligence organisation.
What impact could these allegations have on security cooperation involving Cyprus?