UK – Iran International, June 21, 2025
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have arrested a German national, Marek Kaufmann, for alleged spying near restricted military and nuclear sites in Markazi province, state-owned Mehr News reported Friday.
Mehr released a video showing Kaufmann, described as a dual-national Jewish tourist cycling through the region, speaking after his arrest. In the footage, he says he was aware he was near a military area and that taking photos or videos was not allowed. He adds that he sent his location to a friend. The video is heavily edited and does not include a clear confession.
At one point, Kaufmann says his Garmin device, a brand of smartwatch, told him to take a detour. Immediately after, the narrator says “someone was in charge of how he navigates” and alleges that he was receiving instructions from “American and Jewish commanders.” The narrator, Ameneh Sadat Zabihpour, was sanctioned by the United States in 2022 for working with Iranian intelligence agencies to produce forced confessions.
Iranian officials accuse Kaufmann of gathering intelligence on sensitive military sites, including missile silos, drone routes, and airbases. Mehr said he was detained by IRGC intelligence operatives in an area marked with warning signs.
