ALBORZ, IRAN - JUNE 18, 2025 - RESTRICTION: USERS MUST CREDIT “TEHRAN POLICE DEPARTMENT” HANDOUT —EDITORIAL USE ONLY — Iranian security forces have seized a truck carrying components of kamikaze drones and mini suicide aerial vehicles allegedly used in Israeli attacks, state media reported on Wednesday, June 18). Iranian Police Spokesman Saeed Montazerolmehdi said the vehicle was intercepted during an operation in the northern province of Alborz. "Security forces in Alborz stopped a suspicious Nissan truck during an operation and conducted a search. The vehicle was found to contain mini suicide drones, remote control devices, and various technical components belonging to drones and mini aerial vehicles," Montazerolmehdi said. One person was reportedly taken into custody in connection with the incident. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian authorities said three vehicles carrying drones and explosives were seized in Tehran and Alborz, while Iraqi police intercepted three vehicles carrying drones near the border and arrested those involved. - Alleged Mossad drone base near Tehran Iran’s announcement follows Israeli media reports alleging that Israel's spy agency Mossad had established a “drone base” near Tehran. After the report surfaced, Iranian security forces uncovered a secret three-story workshop where agents allegedly assembled miniature drones and explosive materials. State television aired footage of the raid, showing numerous drone components and explosives discovered in the city of Rey, near the capital. Authorities believe similar drone production sites may exist elsewhere in the country and said efforts are underway to locate them. Iran has also reported arrests of individuals allegedly working on behalf of Israel in Tehran and other cities. - Escalating conflict The current conflict began when Israel carried out large-scale airstrikes on June 13, targeting key Iranian military command structures as well as nuclear facilities across several cities. Among those killed in the initial Israeli attacks were Iran’s chief of General Staff, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, several senior military officers, and nine nuclear scientists. Iranian media reported Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli airstrikes across Tehran and other populated areas has risen to 585, with at least 1,326 people injured since the attacks started last week. In retaliation, Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in 24 deaths and more than 500 injuries, according to Iranian sources. The Israeli strikes and the ensuing escalation have drawn condemnation from multiple countries, including Türkiye.