JUST IN: Iran releases footage of “traitors” accused of helping US and Israeli bombings
Tehran – April 5, 2026 | Reflecto News
Iranian state television and IRGC-affiliated media have released dramatic footage purporting to show the arrest and interrogation of several individuals labeled as “traitors” and “collaborators” who allegedly assisted U.S. and Israeli forces in carrying out bombings and intelligence operations inside Iran.
The video, broadcast widely on Iranian channels and shared on social media, shows blindfolded or handcuffed men being led by IRGC personnel, with some appearing to confess on camera to providing targeting information, coordinates, or logistical support to American and Israeli strikes.
Content of the Released Footage
- The clips include scenes of arrests in urban and rural areas, with IRGC officers claiming the suspects were caught with communication devices, maps, or other evidence linking them to foreign intelligence services.
- Several individuals are shown making statements admitting to “guiding” U.S. and Israeli aircraft or drones to military and strategic targets, including sites in Tehran and other provinces.
- Iranian officials described the group as part of a “fifth column” working for the “Zionist-American axis,” accusing them of betraying the Islamic Republic during the sixth week of Operation Epic Fury.
State media claimed the arrests were the result of swift counter-intelligence operations by the IRGC and Ministry of Intelligence, and warned that more collaborators would be uncovered and punished severely.
Context in the Ongoing Conflict
The release of the footage comes amid heightened tensions following major U.S. military actions:
- The daring rescue of both F-15E Strike Eagle pilots, which involved a “nightmare scenario” ground battle with IRGC forces, U.S. airstrikes on advancing troops, and the deliberate destruction of multiple U.S. aircraft (including HC-130J Combat King II rescue planes, MH-6 Little Bird, A-10 Warthog, and C-130 Hercules) at a remote base inside Iran.
- Reports of over 50 senior Iranian officials killed in U.S. strikes on Tehran.
- Coordinated U.S.-Israeli bombings of petrochemical facilities and discussions about targeting power plants and bridges.
- Iranian retaliation, including drone strikes causing significant damage to Kuwaiti power and water desalination plants.
- IAEA concerns over strikes near the Bushehr nuclear power plant.
Iran has repeatedly accused internal elements of aiding foreign strikes, especially after the high-casualty U.S. operation in Tehran and the deep incursions during the CSAR mission. The regime has also highlighted its claimed mobilization of around 7 million volunteers as evidence of national unity against perceived traitors.
Implications
- Domestic: The footage is likely intended to rally public support, justify crackdowns on dissent, and deter potential collaborators amid war fatigue.
- International: Human rights groups may raise concerns over the nature of the “confessions” and possible coerced statements.
- Propaganda Angle: Tehran is using the arrests to portray the U.S. and Israel as reliant on internal betrayal rather than superior military capability.
President Trump and U.S. officials have not yet commented on the specific footage, continuing to focus on the success of the pilot rescue and broader military pressure to force Iran toward the 15-point peace proposal.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring Iranian state media for further details on the accused individuals, any trials or executions, U.S./Israeli responses, and the broader impact on the conflict. This development adds a domestic security dimension to an already volatile war that has seen significant escalation on multiple fronts.
By Reflecto News Desk
Sources: Iranian state television (IRIB), Tasnim News Agency, Press TV, Reuters, Axios, and international wire services.