Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel's Mossad

Iranian authorities have carried out the execution of a man convicted of espionage on behalf of Israel, the country's semi-official Fars News Agency reported on Wednesday. The execution followed the Iranian Supreme Court's confirmation of the death sentence, concluding a legal process that began with the suspect's arrest last year.

Allegations of Espionage and Sabotage Plot

The executed individual was identified as Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour. Iranian security forces arrested him on May 29, 2025, on charges of "espionage and intelligence cooperation" with Israel's Mossad. According to the Fars News Agency report, authorities accused Esmailpour of transferring classified documents and sensitive information to an intelligence officer linked to Israel. The allegations extended beyond information theft; investigators claimed he conducted "operational activities," including purchasing equipment and moving vehicles in the provinces of Isfahan and Lorestan to prepare for acts of sabotage. The alleged targets were missile facilities belonging to Iran's Defense Ministry, which officials described as a "major operation" that was uncovered and neutralized by the Ministry of Intelligence.

A Familiar Pattern Amid Domestic and Regional Tensions

The execution follows a familiar pattern in Iran, where individuals are periodically tried and executed on charges of spying for foreign states, particularly Israel and the United States. These cases are typically tried in closed-door proceedings, with limited transparency or access for independent observers. The execution occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional hostility between Iran and Israel, which are engaged in a long-running shadow war involving cyber-attacks, assassinations, and alleged sabotage operations targeting military and nuclear infrastructure.

Context of Internal Unrest and External Pressure

This development also comes during a period of significant internal pressure on the Iranian government. For weeks, the nation has been rocked by widespread anti-government protests triggered by a severe economic crisis and the sharp depreciation of the national currency. In response, authorities imposed a sweeping internet blackout to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly acknowledged public anger and pledged to improve conditions. Analysts often view the public announcement of foiled spy rings and executions as a method for the government to project strength and security mastery to both a domestic audience and external adversaries during times of internal instability.