I don’t think this is true, in the traditional sense of weapons factories.  But for more than two decades Iran has been providing components to its proxies who assembly on the field, so in that sense this is old news.  “Iran Says It Has Built Weapons Factories In “Several Countries,” NDTV, 8-23-25.

“Iran forces kill six militants, IRNA reports, Israel link seen,” Reuters, 8-23-25.  Restive groups wanting independence have made their presence known for years.  This story is different because the IRI makes the allegation “IRNA said evidence showed the group was linked to Israel and may have been trained by Israel’s Mossad spy agency.”

Very unwise to travel there solo or in groups.  More likely to be nabbed if by yourself or in pairs.  They are not against taking whole groups, whether a shipping crew, etc.  BTW, check to see if travel insurance is available—I don’t think so.  “No solo travel: Iran now requires tourists to book via tours, report says,” Iran International, 8-23-25.

“Iran intensifies crackdown on Baha’i religious minority,” Telegraph, 8-23-25.

“Still in Shambles, a Notorious Iranian Prison Is Holding Dissidents Again,” NYT, 8-23-25.