Tehran, April 1 -- Iranian intelligence forces have reportedly intercepted a substantial consignment of advanced spying devices and communication equipment, while also capturing a spy and several separatist militants during operations in the northwestern province of West Azarbaijan, according to the state broadcaster Press TV.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Public Relations Department of Iran's Ministry of Intelligence confirmed that its forces uncovered a "large consignment of sophisticated espionage and communication equipment." This included "45 US and Israeli-built devices" that were intercepted as they were "being smuggled into the country through northwestern borders."

As reported by the Tehran-based broadcaster, these "d...