Iran on Wednesday executed a man arrested in April 2025 over allegations of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, the country’s judiciary has said.
The judiciary’s news outlet, Mizan, reported that Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour was hanged at dawn after being convicted of passing information to a Mossad agent.
According to Mizan, Esmailpour was found guilty of sharing intelligence with Israel, purchasing equipment to aid what authorities described as “sabotage operations” at Iranian missile sites, and transporting vehicles rigged with explosives.
Rights groups say at least 12 people have been executed on similar charges since Israel’s 12-day war with Iran in June. They have also raised concerns that protesters detained during recent demonstrations could face capital punishment, noting that Iran’s judiciary has indicated some detainees may be charged with offences carrying the death penalty.
Protests broke out in late December over the rising cost of living but later escalated into wider anti-government demonstrations. Rights groups claim a subsequent crackdown left thousands killed and tens of thousands arrested.
The last execution linked to alleged espionage for Israel was on January 7, when a man identified as Ali Ardestani was put to death after being convicted of sharing information with Mossad.
Iran is the world’s second most prolific executioner after China, according to rights organisations. The NGO Iran Human Rights said at least 1,500 people were executed in the country last year.
Following the June conflict, Iranian authorities vowed to fast-track trials for those accused of collaborating with Israel.
Iran, which does not recognise Israel, has long accused it of carrying out sabotage against its nuclear programme and assassinating Iranian scientists. The June war, however, highlighted what analysts described as deep Israeli intelligence penetration, after several senior Iranian military and security figures were killed in targeted strikes.
Rights groups continue to warn that executions are sometimes based on confessions allegedly obtained under torture, while foreign intelligence operatives involved in field operations remain at large.
