Iran Executes Man Accused Of Spying For Israel’s Mossad

Iran, on Wednesday, executed a man convicted of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, amid ongoing anti-government protests and heightened tensions following last year’s brief war between Tehran and Tel Aviv.

According to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency, the man, identified as Ali Ardestani, was found guilty of sharing sensitive information and images with Mossad operatives in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.

The judiciary said Ardestani’s actions “threatened national security” and justified the death penalty. His execution marks the latest in a growing number of espionage-related cases that have alarmed international human rights groups.

Mahmood Amiry Moghaddam, director of the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group, condemned the hanging, describing it as unlawful and politically motivated.

“The death sentence against Ardestani, like many other executions in Iran, was issued without a fair trial and based on forced confessions, and therefore lacks any legal legitimacy,” Moghaddam said.

He added that 12 people have now been executed on charges of spying for Israel since the 12-day war that broke out in June 2025. The conflict led to significant damage to Iran’s nuclear and ballistic facilities and the killing of several senior security and military officials in precision strikes attributed to Israeli intelligence.

“This is the first such execution on charges of spying for Mossad since the recent wave of protests over the rising cost of living began on December 28,” Amiry Moghaddam noted, accusing authorities of using executions to suppress dissent.

“The Islamic Republic’s aim in carrying out executions on charges such as espionage, particularly amid ongoing protests, is solely to instil fear among the population,” he added.

Iran remains the world’s second most prolific executioner after China, with at least 1,500 hangings recorded in 2025 alone, according to IHR.

Since its brief war with Israel, Tehran has vowed swift and severe punishment for anyone accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence. Authorities claim Ardestani provided Mossad with photographs and details of strategic sites and “potential targets.”

Rights organisations however, have repeatedly raised concerns that Iranian courts convict and execute citizens on espionage charges without credible evidence, while those responsible for actual field operations often evade capture.

The execution came days after Mossad’s Persian-language X account reportedly called on Iranians to sustain anti-government demonstrations, saying it was supporting them “on the ground,” according to Israeli Army Radio.

Iran, which does not recognise Israel, has long accused Tel Aviv of orchestrating sabotage operations against its nuclear program and assassinating its scientists, accusations Israel rarely confirmed or denied.