Iranian flag with fire in the background. Photo: www.nation.com.pk

Iran has arrested a group of assassins it claims were behind the recent killings of nuclear scientists tied to the Iranian nuclear program, according to the Islamic Republic’s state media service IRNA.

The report claims the operatives were “hired by an Israeli spy network”, and follows an announcement in April, also by Iran’s state controlled media service, that members of a “major terrorist group” had been arrested.

Earlier this year, Iran executed Majid Jamali Fashi, who was convicted of killing an Iranian nuclear scientist in coordination with Mossad – the Israeli intelligence agency.

As the United States and European Union continue their financial and diplomatic efforts aimed at ensuring Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon, negotiations between the world’s major powers and the Islamic Republic are scheduled to occur later this month in Moscow.

According to the Iranian media report, those who “martyred the young scientists in cold-blooded murder” would continue to be sought by authorities and would be brought to justice.