Tehran has executed a man convicted of espionage on behalf of Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, according to reports. The individual, identified as Ali Ardestani, was found guilty of providing sensitive information to the Israeli intelligence service.
According to Iran’s judiciary-affiliated news agency, Mizan, the execution was carried out after the Supreme Court approved the sentence and due legal processes were followed. “The death sentence against Ali Ardestani, charged with espionage for the Mossad by providing sensitive information, was carried out after the approval of the Supreme Court and following legal procedures,” Mizan stated.
This execution comes amid a decades-long shadow war between Iran and Israel. Iran has previously executed individuals it accused of collaborating with Mossad and facilitating its operations within the country. In recent months, Iranian authorities have announced a series of arrests and executions of individuals convicted of spying for Israel.
In October, the Iranian parliament passed a new law that intensifies penalties for those accused of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies, particularly those of the United States and Israel. The law reflects the heightened security concerns within Iran and the government’s determination to deter espionage activities.
The execution highlights the ongoing tensions and security competition between Iran and Israel. Iran views Israel as a major threat and accuses it of carrying out sabotage and assassination operations within its borders. Israel, in turn, views Iran’s nuclear program and regional activities as a threat to its security.
The latest execution is likely to further escalate tensions between the two countries and fuel concerns about human rights in Iran. International organizations have repeatedly criticized Iran’s use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving allegations of espionage.
