Espionage threats blur lines between security and dissent in Iran

What happened: Analysts say Iran is using genuine espionage threats, exposed by US and Israeli wars, to justify a crackdown that also targets protesters, journalists, lawyers and minorities. Key numbers: At least 1,895 people face active cases, including 94 media workers. Why it matters: Analysts cited by Al Jazeera say Tehran has blurred the line between espionage and dissent, treating political opposition and independent reporting as foreign intelligence activity while expanding its coercive apparatus.

Analysts say Iran is using genuine espionage threats, exposed by US and Israeli wars, to justify a crackdown that also targets protesters, journalists, lawyers and minorities.

Analysts cited by Al Jazeera say Tehran has blurred the line between espionage and dissent, treating political opposition and independent reporting as foreign intelligence activity while expanding its coercive apparatus.