Islam Times - US-made Weapons Confiscated in Iran

Islam Times - Iran’s intelligence forces have seized a haul of US-made weapons in the central city of Isfahan, smuggled into Iran from the western border in order to be used in the November riots, the Judiciary said.

According to the public prosecutor of Isfahan, the consignment consists of over 126 riot (pellet) guns, firearms, and AK-47 as well as 900 live rounds.

"The weapons had been smuggled to Iran from western borders, and were confiscated by members of the Intelligence Ministry in Isfahan province," Ali Esfahani said.

The Judiciary official noted that five people have been arrested on charge of smuggling the weapons, and will face trial.

The prosecutor also said that the province's security experts believe the weapons had been imported for potential use in the recent riots in the country.

The enemies were plotting to trigger an armed conflict using the firearms and kill civilians in a bid to tarnish the image of the Islamic establishment, he explained.

In mid-November, the Iranian government raised gasoline prices in order to moderate the national consumption rate.

The move prompted protests in a number of cities that went largely peaceful but turned violent when armed riotous elements took advantage of the situation to vandalize public and state property, and attack civilians and security forces alike.

Iran has arrested over 100 ringleaders and masterminds of the violent attacks.