The spokesperson of Islamic Republic's Judiciary confirmed to reporters on Wednesday, May 31, that a person working for one of President Hassan Rouhani's advisors has been arrested on espionage charges.

Apparently, there was a rumor among local reporters that someone in the government had been arrested for spying and Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, in response to reporters' questions, confirmed the news.

Ejei, who is also first deputy of the judiciary, was speaking at his weekly press conference.

The advisor in question is Hesamoddin Ashna, who is president Rouhani's advisor on cultural matters. He comes from a security background. The name of the arrested person has not been revealed.

But Ejei also added, "It is possible that someone is arrested at his workplace but the person sitting next to him is not involved in the matter."

In Iran's political context, some will inevitably see this arrest as another jab at Rouhani by conservatives. The head of the judiciary, aytollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani earlier this week harshly dismissed president Rouhani's campaign pledge of ending the house arrest of the Green Movement leaders. who have been detained since 2011.