Authorities in Iran on Monday announced the execution of a man convicted of spying for the Central Intelligence Agency and Israel’s Mossad.
According to Iran’s judiciary news platform, Mizan Online, the convicted man, Erfan Shakourzadeh, was hanged after being found guilty of collaborating with US and Israeli intelligence agencies.
The report stated that Shakourzadeh worked for one of Iran’s scientific organisations involved in satellite-related activities and was accused of knowingly passing classified information to foreign intelligence services.
Iranian authorities did not disclose the date of his arrest or execution.
The execution comes amid heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States following weeks of conflict that began in late February before a ceasefire took effect on April 8.
Iran has intensified executions in recent months, particularly in cases linked to espionage, national security, and anti-government activities.
The Islamic Republic has frequently accused foreign intelligence agencies of attempting to infiltrate its scientific and military institutions, especially those connected to missile and satellite programmes.
Western governments have long alleged that Iran’s satellite programme could support the development of ballistic missile technology, claims Tehran has consistently denied.
Human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised Iran’s use of capital punishment. Rights groups say the country remains one of the world’s leading executioners.
Norway-based rights organisation Iran Human Rights reported that Iran carried out at least 1,500 executions last year, placing it among the countries with the highest number of executions globally.
Last week, Iranian authorities also executed three men convicted over their alleged roles in anti-government protests that swept across the country earlier this year.
