Iran executes man over alleged ‘mission’ for Israeli spy agency

Iran has executed a man accused of carrying out operations on behalf of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, amid a broader crackdown linked to recent unrest and ongoing regional tensions.

 

The judiciary said on Saturday that Erfan Kiani was hanged after his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court, according to Mizan Online, its official news outlet.

 

Kiani was described as one of the “main operatives” involved in a mission allegedly assigned by Mossad during protests in January in Isfahan province.

 

Authorities accused him of multiple offences, including arson, destruction of public and private property, possession and use of Molotov cocktails, attacking security personnel, blocking roads, and “creating fear and panic among citizens.”

 

His execution comes days after another individual was put to death over alleged links to a banned opposition group, as Iran intensifies its use of capital punishment.

 

Officials have linked the January protests to foreign interference, accusing Israel, the United States and opposition groups, including the banned People’s Mujahedin, of instigating unrest.

 

Since March 19, at least nine people have been executed in connection with the protests, according to authorities.

 

Iran remains one of the world’s leading users of the death penalty, ranking second after China, according to rights organisations such as Amnesty International, which have repeatedly raised concerns over the country’s execution practices.