Iranian security forces conducted an operation near the country’s southeastern border, killing three foreign nationals and arresting eight others accused of links to foreign intelligence agencies, according to the semi-official Mehr news agency. Authorities did not disclose the nationalities of those killed or detained. Weapons seized from their hideout reportedly included RPG-7 launchers, U.S.-made M4 rifles with night-vision devices, AK-47 rifles with grenade launchers, and handguns.

Initial interrogations indicated that the detained suspects confessed to involvement in a recent attack on a police checkpoint in the central city of Kerman, which left three officers and one civilian dead. The operation took place shortly before indirect nuclear talks between Iran and other parties were set to begin in Geneva, mediated by Oman.

The report also noted that the United States has recently expanded its military presence in the Persian Gulf, while Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has conducted several military drills in preparation for potential conflict.