Let's talk Iran.
Are they lying? Or did they really uncover a spy ring?
Trying to look at this from their position, what could they do if we DID mess with their government? About what they're doing now, I'd guess. We'd, of course, deny it, and they'd try and do whatever they can to leverage some countries they can't possibly defeat militarily.
But I see no benefit from them to lie and antagonize nations like this, if there is no truth to their side.