Iran Seizes U.S.-Made Weapons and Explosives Amid Claims of Foreign-Backed Unrest
Tehran, January 13, 2026 — Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence has announced the seizure of U.S.-manufactured weapons, ammunition, and explosive materials from locations allegedly linked to “terror cells” operating within the country. The announcement, made on January 13, comes amid widespread anti-government protests that have gripped Iran since late December 2025, escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
According to Iranian authorities, the confiscated items include firearms, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), more than 200 kilograms of explosives, drone assembly equipment, and surveillance gear. Officials claim these weapons were smuggled into Iran via foreign trucks, with some suspects entering through the eastern borders, particularly near Zahedan in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. State media reported that the materials were discovered in several homes connected to alleged militant groups, which authorities accuse of planning assassinations, sabotage, and acts of violence during the ongoing demonstrations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that security forces possess audio recordings featuring foreign voices purportedly directing protesters, reinforcing Tehran’s narrative that the unrest is orchestrated by external actors, primarily the United States and Israel. The regime has framed the protests as an extension of the “12-day war” in June 2025, during which Israeli and U.S. strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities.
The protests, which began on December 28, 2025, initially stemmed from severe economic grievances—including rampant inflation, currency devaluation, and shortages of basic goods—have since evolved into broader demands for political change and an end to clerical rule. Demonstrations have spread across most of Iran’s 31 provinces, with reports of violent clashes between protesters and security forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij militia.
Human rights organizations and exile media outlets estimate that hundreds of people have been killed—some reports citing figures exceeding 500—and thousands arrested since the unrest began. The regime has imposed a nationwide internet blackout, restricting information flow and making independent verification challenging. Some protesters have reportedly accessed the internet via Starlink satellite service to share updates.
Iranian officials have acknowledged casualties among security personnel, with dozens reported killed in confrontations. The government has intensified its crackdown, labeling protesters as “saboteurs” and “terrorists” and threatening severe punishments, including charges punishable by death.
The seizure announcement appears designed to bolster the regime’s internal messaging, portraying the protests as foreign-instigated terrorism rather than genuine domestic discontent. This framing could justify further repression amid one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic in recent years.
On the international front, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for the protesters, warning Iran against violent suppression and stating that the United States is “locked and loaded” for potential action. Trump has imposed new economic measures, including 25% tariffs on nations trading with Iran, and is reportedly evaluating options such as military strikes, cyber operations, or expanded sanctions in response to the crackdown.
In retaliation, Iranian leaders, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, have threatened U.S. bases, naval assets, and Israeli targets should Washington intervene directly.
The situation remains highly volatile, with limited independent access to information due to the communications restrictions. The combination of economic collapse, regional fallout from recent conflicts, and now allegations of foreign arms smuggling has placed unprecedented pressure on Iran’s leadership.
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