Iran has executed Hamidreza Sabet Esmaeilipour after convicting him of espionage on behalf of Israel, the country’s judiciary reported.
According to Mizan, the media arm of Iran’s judiciary, Esmaeilipour was hanged following his conviction for transferring classified documents and sensitive information to a “hostile intelligence service,” identified by authorities as Israel’s Mossad agency.
The judiciary said Esmaeilipour was arrested on April 29, 2025. His death sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court, and authorities stated that all legal procedures had been completed before the execution was carried out.
Iran and Israel have long been engaged in covert operations across the Middle East, including intelligence-gathering, cyberattacks, and targeted assassinations.
Tehran has repeatedly accused Israel of attempting to infiltrate its security and military institutions, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
In recent years, the Iranian government has executed several suspects accused of spying for Israel, drawing criticism from international human rights organizations over concerns about due process and the transparency of the trials.
Reports indicate that executions linked to alleged espionage have increased following military strikes by Israeli and U.S. forces on Iranian nuclear facilities last June, further heightening regional tensions.
Iranian officials defend the executions as necessary for national security, while critics contend that espionage charges are often vague and the judicial process lacks transparency.
Iran executes man convicted of spying for Israel amid escalating tensions
