BAKU, Azerbaijan (AP) — Azerbaijan's security agency says it has busted an alleged terrorist group working for Iran's secret services.

The National Security Ministry said in a statement carried Tuesday by Azerbaijan's state television that it had arrested an unspecified number of people suspected of preparing terror attacks against foreign citizens at Iran's behest.

The ministry says the group's members were gathering intelligence and had acquired a large number of weapons and explosives. It gave no further details.

The statement comes amid rising tensions between the two neighbors.

Azerbaijan last month announced the arrest of two local residents accused of plotting to kill two teachers at a Jewish school on Iranian orders. Iran, in turn, accused Azerbaijan of turning a blind eye to Israeli intelligence operations on its soil.