Iran's domestically built missiles are displayed in an exhibition in a military compound belonging to the Defense Ministry, in Tehran, Iran, Aug 23, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

TEHRAN- Iran's Defense Ministry has thwarted a major sabotage attempt targeting the country's missile and aerospace sectors, Iran's Defanews reported on Thursday.

The ministry's Intelligence Protection Organization said it "neutralized" the alleged sabotage plan by "implementing one of the most complicated intelligence and security projects over the past years"

A group of "moles and infiltrators" with connection to "Israeli intelligence service Mossad" had been trying to introduce defective parts into the production of Iran's advanced missiles, said Defanews, which is affiliated with the Iranian Defense Ministry.

The ministry's Intelligence Protection Organization said it "neutralized" the alleged sabotage plan by "implementing one of the most complicated intelligence and security projects over the past years."

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Given the pivotal role of Iran's missile capabilities in deterring potential threats, its missile industry has remained a primary target for sabotage by foreign intelligence agencies, added the Intelligence Protection Organization.