Iran discovers US plot to topple regime

Published January 19th, 2009 - 10:32 GMT

Iran's state television said the government had dismantled an alleged U.S.-backed spy network that was seeking to topple the country's regime. Monday's report quoted an unnamed intelligence official as saying the main members of the network have been identified and detained.

 

The official, identified as the general director of the counterespionage section of Iran's Intelligence Ministry, said the CIA spent about $32 million on the plot but did not provide further details. Iran's official news agency reported Saturday that a Tehran court sentenced four Iranians to jail for trying to overthrow the government with the alleged support of the U.S. State Department and the CIA.