TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have arrested a foreign national and seized a shipment of hand-to-hand weapons in the country&#39;s northwest, state media reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;&quot;A 14-ton shipment of various types of professional weapons and items that can be used in riots was discovered and seized upon entering Iran,&quot; the official IRNA news agency said.&nbsp;&quot;A foreign national was detained,&quot; it added, without specifying the individual&#39;s nationality.&nbsp;The shipment allegedly included stun guns, batons, knives, and weapon accessories.&nbsp;The seizure took place in West Azerbaijan province amid heightened security measures following mass anti-government protests that peaked last month and left thousands dead, including members of the security forces.&nbsp;The demonstrations erupted on December 28, initially over the rising cost of living, before spreading nationwide.&nbsp;Iranian authorities have acknowledged more than 3,000 deaths during the unrest, which they say began as peaceful protests before turning into &quot;riots&quot; involving killings and vandalism, and which they blame on the United States and Israel.&nbsp;The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it has confirmed 6,872 deaths, mostly protesters killed by security forces, while other rights groups warn the toll is likely far higher.

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Iran seized a 14-ton weapons shipment in West Azerbaijan and arrested a foreign national, amid deadly nationwide protests authorities call riots, blaming foreign powers, while rights groups report far higher death tolls than official figures.

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Iran arrests foreign national, seizes weapons shipment: state media

Iran arrests foreign national, seizes weapons shipment: state media