Iranian authorities have announced the execution of an individual convicted of espionage for Israel, marking the latest in a series of high-profile intelligence-related prosecutions within the Islamic Republic.
According to Iran’s judiciary, the man, identified as Alireza Akbari, was found guilty of “providing classified information to the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency” and was executed early Wednesday morning. The charges against Akbari included leaking sensitive national security details, compromising intelligence operations, and aiding a hostile government.
The Judiciary’s Mizan News Agency stated that Akbari’s actions “posed a serious threat to national security” and alleged he had received training and logistical support from Israeli operatives abroad. The court had previously sentenced him to death following a closed trial, which judicial officials claimed involved "undeniable evidence" of espionage.
Iran’s Intelligence Ministry accused the executed man of being involved in long-term infiltration operations and said he had been monitored for several years before his arrest.
The Israeli government has not issued a formal statement in response to the execution, maintaining its long-standing policy of neither confirming nor denying involvement in intelligence operations abroad.
Human rights organizations have condemned the execution and criticized the lack of transparency and due process in Iran’s judiciary. Amnesty International and other advocacy groups have called for international scrutiny of Iran’s use of the death penalty in politically charged cases.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv, with both countries accusing each other of covert operations and cyberattacks in recent years.