Iran's intelligence minister says security officers have investigated more than 1,500 young men at risk of being recruited by the extremist Islamic State group.

 

The semi-official Tasnim news agency on Friday quoted Mahmoud Ali as saying that his department has summoned for questioning, detained or talked with the young people to stop them from joining IS.

 

Alavi didn't elaborate but says his officers are closely watching those who show an inclination toward joining the extremist group fighting in Iraq and Syria.

 

In recent months, Iran has executed or killed dozens of extremist Islamic "terrorists" in clashes in the country's western regions.

 

In June, Iran claimed breaking up one of the "biggest terrorist plots" ever on its soil by Sunni extremists planning bombings in Tehran and elsewhere.