The intelligence ministry has foiled an attempt by elements affiliated with BBC to take stolen historical and cultural documents outside the country.
"To compensate for its failures and in violation of international media norms and regulations, BBC Persian employed domestic agents and attempted to steal historical documents from the government's archive centers," the intelligence ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
The ministry said additional information will be made available in due time.
Tehran has banned the British Broadcasting Corporation and its affiliate channel BBC Persian from having office in the country. Authorities have accused the channel of spreading lies and manipulating the public opinion.
Security forces have detained dozens of people for their connection to the channel which is deemed illegal in Iran.
