Iran on Wednesday executed a man convicted of spying for Israel, the judiciary said, marking the latest in a series of espionage-related executions that have drawn criticism from human rights groups.
Ali Ardestani was found guilty of providing intelligence to Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, and receiving payments in cryptocurrency in return, according to the judiciary’s Mizan news agency.
The Islamic Republic has intensified executions on espionage charges following its 12-day conflict with Israel in June, which inflicted significant damage on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic facilities and resulted in the deaths of several senior military and security officials in targeted strikes.
“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,” said Mahmood Amiry Moghaddam, director of the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group.
He added that 12 people have been executed on charges of spying for Israel since the June war. Ardestani’s execution is the first such case since widespread protests erupted in Iran on December 28 over the rising cost of living.
“The Islamic Republic’s aim in carrying out executions on charges such as espionage, particularly amid ongoing protests, is solely to instill fear among the population,” Amiry Moghaddam said.
Iran is the world’s second most prolific executor after China, according to rights groups, with at least 1,500 people hanged in 2025, according to IHR figures.
Since the June conflict, Iranian authorities have promised rapid trials for those accused of collaborating with Israel. Iran, which does not recognize Israel, has long accused it of sabotage operations against its nuclear facilities and the targeted killing of scientists.
Mizan reported that Ardestani provided Mossad with photos, maps, and information on specific locations and potential targets. Rights organizations, however, warn that innocent people are often executed while the actual agents conducting the intelligence work remain undetected.
Earlier this week, Mossad, via its Persian-language X account, encouraged Iranians to continue protesting, claiming it supported them “on the ground,” according to Israeli army radio.
AFP
