Two Iranians questioned over suspected plots to attack Israelis in Cyprus

NICOSIA, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Two Iranians have been detained in Cyprus for questioning over suspected planning of attacks on Israeli citizens living in Cyprus, a Cypriot newspaper reported on Sunday.

The two individuals were believed to be in the early stages of gathering intelligence on potential Israeli targets, the Kathimerini Cyprus newspaper said without citing sources. The paper added that the Iranians were political refugees in contact with a person linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard

A senior Cyprus official declined to comment, citing policy on issues concerning national security.

Reuters was unable to verify the details in the newspaper report.

Israel confirms the reports of an Iranian terror plot against Israeli and Jewish targets in Cyprus being foiled, saying local authorities were aided by the Mossad spy agency.

Accusing the Iranian regime of being behind the plot, the Prime Minister’s Office says — on behalf of the Mossad and the National Security Agency — that the cell’s arrest was enabled by intelligence information about the terrorists, their methods of operation and the intended targets.