The security forces proceeded to dismantle a core of intelligence agents, who, among other things, were attempting to attack the American air base in Incirlik, according to relevant Turkish media reports, as well as specialized media for the . The matter was disclosed by Sabah, citing Middleeasteye, and according to the related report, the Turkish Intelligence Service (MIT) and Istanbul police arrested six people in five provinces of Turkey. The cell was reportedly led by two Iranian intelligence agents with the initials NR (code name ‘Haji’) and MYD (code name ‘Doctor’).
The investigation revealed that NR assigned a Turkish citizen with the initials AK, residing in the eastern province of Van, to recruit people to take photos and videos of Incirlik Air Base, which has been under the joint control of Ankara and Washington for decades.
Business in the midst of tension and launching threats from both sides
The case comes as US President Donald Trump considers military options against Iran, following weeks of anti-government protests that Tehran has cracked down on with extreme violence, killing at least 4,000 people, according to Turkish officials.
Earlier this month, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran could launch pre-emptive strikes against Israel and US military targets in the region. “In the event of an attack against Iran, both the occupied territories and all US military centers, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets,” he said, adding that the Islamic Republic will not be limited to ex post retaliation but will act preemptively.
They had received training from the Iranian services
Of the six arrested, five are Turkish nationals and one Iranian with the initials AJ. They are accused of “obtaining classified government information for political or military espionage purposes.” Turkish citizen AK and Iranian AJ allegedly attended special drone training programs in Iran between August and September 2025. AJ, through two of his companies, attempted to send armed drones to Cyprus.
The report states that Cyprus has become a hub of US and British intelligence activities during Israel’s military operations in Gaza in 2023, providing intelligence to the Israeli military. Many Israelis are said to have bought property on the island.
Two more Turkish nationals, with the initials EE and TO, traveled to Iran in October 2025 and allegedly participated in attempts to send drones to Cyprus. Another Turkish national, RB, said he was offered to participate in the assassination of Iranian dissidents.
The network allegedly used encrypted messages codenamed “Pigeon” and financed its operations through commercial drone-related activities.
