Iran has carried out the execution of a man convicted of working as a spy for Israel, the country's judiciary announced on Saturday. This marks the latest in a series of executions following a significant military confrontation between the two arch-rivals in June.
Details of the Espionage Case and Execution
The executed individual was identified as Aghil Keshavarz. According to the Mizan news agency, which is linked to Iran's judiciary, Keshavarz was found guilty of espionage for the "Zionist regime." The charges against him included communicating and cooperating with Israeli intelligence, as well as photographing sensitive military and security installations.
Mizan stated that Keshavarz was described as an agent for Israel's Mossad foreign intelligence service. He was reportedly arrested between April and May in the city of Urmia, located in northwestern Iran. The court was presented with his confession during the legal proceedings.
"Photographing targeted locations, planting tracking devices, conducting opinion polling, and examining traffic patterns in specific routes were among the missions Aghil Keshavarz carried out on the orders of Mossad officers," the agency detailed. His death sentence was carried out after being confirmed by Iran's Supreme Court and following the completion of all legal procedures.
Backdrop of the Iran-Israel Conflict and Crackdown
This execution occurs in the shadow of heightened tensions. On June 13, Israel launched a major attack on Iran, targeting military, nuclear, and even residential sites. This action sparked a 12-day conflict where Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes against Israel. The United States later joined Israel in striking Iranian nuclear facilities.
A ceasefire eventually took effect on June 24. Since the war concluded, Iranian authorities have pledged to hold swift trials for individuals suspected of collaborating with Israel. The government has announced multiple arrests and, including Keshavarz, the executions of at least 10 people convicted of working with Mossad.
Legal Shifts and Broader Implications
Iran, which does not recognise Israel's statehood, has long accused it of sabotage operations against its nuclear program and assassinating scientists. In a significant legal shift, Tehran toughened its laws in October specifically targeting espionage for Israel and the United States.
Under the new legislation, those found guilty can face the death penalty and confiscation of all their assets. This represents a hardening from previous laws, which did not single out any specific country and where espionage did not automatically carry a death sentence.
The June war also had a major diplomatic cost, derailing high-level talks between Tehran and Washington aimed at reviving the nuclear deal. The sustained conflict marked an escalation from the sporadic tit-for-tat attacks that had characterised their hostilities earlier in 2024.
