Iranian intelligence forces have dismantled a spy network in the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan, seizing a significant cache of advanced espionage and communication equipment, and arresting a spy along with several separatist militants.

A statement from the Public Relations Department of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence on Wednesday revealed that authorities intercepted a large shipment of sophisticated spying devices, including 45 units built in the US and Israel, as they were smuggled into the country via northwestern borders, The Caspian Post reports, citing Iranian media.

The devices were reportedly intended for distribution among operatives nationwide.

In a related operation, Iranian intelligence forces arrested eight separatist militants, four of whom had established a terror cell in the city of Piranshahr. The group was accused of providing information about Iranian military installations to the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.

The other terrorists were detected and captured in the cities of Urmia and Oshnaviyeh.

In a related development, an individual engaged in espionage activities at the behest of the US and Israel was nabbed in Piranshahr.

He was collecting information on Iran's sensitive sites and passing it to enemies.