In a significant escalation of its crackdown on dissent, Iran has arrested several prominent reformist politicians, accusing them of collaborating with foreign powers such as the United States and Israel to destabilize the country. According to Pakistan Today, the detainees include Azar Mansouri, head of Iran’s Reform Front; Mohsen Aminzadeh, a former diplomat; and Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, a former parliamentarian. The arrests come in the wake of deadly anti-government protests in January, which saw thousands detained and an official death toll of 3,117, although independent organizations estimate higher fatalities. The Iranian judiciary has accused these individuals of organizing activities aimed at disrupting the political and social situation during a period of alleged military threats from the U.S. and Israel. Al Jazeera reports that the detainees are accused of trying to disrupt Iran's 'political social order' at a time of threats from these nations.