Israeli police have arrested a 13-year-old Tel Aviv boy suspected of carrying out missions for Iranian agents, including spray-painting graffiti in exchange for money via the Telegram messaging app.

This latest incident follows an Iranian announcement that it had stolen large numbers of intelligence documents from Israel related to the country's hidden nuclear programme, which Israel has never admitted to having. 

The teenager was detained in a joint operation by Tel Aviv police fraud unit and Shin Bet security service on suspicion of performing tasks for Iranian operatives, Mako reported on June 10.

During questioning, the boy revealed that Iranian agents had contacted him through Telegram and asked him to complete several missions in exchange for payment.

The minor complied with their alleged requests and spray-painted graffiti at locations around Tel Aviv as instructed, receiving money in return. He was also asked to photograph Iron Dome defence systems but ultimately did not carry out this task.

"I didn't understand I was spying for the Iranians. They transferred hundreds of dollars to me in a digital wallet, I corresponded with them for weeks," the boy told investigators.

"I didn't understand the significance of what I was doing. I'm very sorry. Now I understand the severity of my actions."

The teenager's parents were reportedly shocked by his arrest. He was released to house arrest after questioning, with his parents kept informed throughout the investigation process.

Police and Shin Bet stressed to parents that "contact with foreign elements and carrying out missions for them is a serious offence with heavy penalties. You must show vigilance and caution to prevent the next case."

Earlier on June 9, Persian language media reported that Iranian security services had stolen large tranches of data and files from Israel as part of the ongoing low-level war between the two countries.