Iran has executed a man convicted of espionage for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, further escalating tensions with Tel Aviv as both countries enter their eleventh day of open hostilities.
The man, identified by Iranian authorities as Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, was hanged on Monday morning after being found guilty of intelligence cooperation with Israel, which Tehran routinely refers to as the “Zionist regime.”
Iran’s judiciary issued a public statement confirming the execution, accusing Shayesteh of serving as an intelligence asset for Mossad and of establishing ties with Iran International, a Persian-language television network based in London.
Iranian officials have long accused the outlet of promoting anti-government sentiment and alleged that it operates with Israeli backing.
The broadcaster gained prominence during the 2022 protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, and Tehran subsequently designated it a terrorist organisation.
Shayesteh’s execution follows another reported hanging just 24 hours earlier.
On Sunday, Iranian authorities confirmed the death of Majid Mosayebi, also convicted of espionage and accused of working with foreign agents. In a statement broadcast on state television, Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei warned that Iran will accelerate cases related to national security threats, especially those linked to Israel.
He emphasized that acts of cooperation with what the government calls the “usurping regime” would face rapid and decisive legal action.
The timing of the executions coincides with an intensifying military standoff between Iran and Israel, worsened by the recent involvement of the United States in coordinated airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Tehran has warned of “broad retaliation” and is reportedly considering the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Global markets have already reacted, with oil prices briefly surging above $80 before stabilizing.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have condemned Iran’s latest executions.
They argue that espionage-related charges in Iran often result from trials lacking transparency, with detainees denied legal representation and often subjected to coerced confessions.
Iran remains the world’s second-most active executioner after China, and the use of capital punishment in politically charged cases continues to draw international scrutiny.
As Iran executes Mossad spy suspects amid conflict and condemnation, the international community watches closely for what Tehran’s next move might be.
The situation remains highly volatile. Stay with Vanguard for continuing coverage.
