Iran Executes Man for Spying on Israel: Iran's Judiciary Confirms

By Kamaran Aziz

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iran has executed a man accused of collaborating with Israel's Mossad intelligence agency through cyber and field operations targeting the country’s national security infrastructure, according to a detailed report by Tasnim News Agency, a semi-official outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Tasnim reported that Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, son of Ahmad, was executed by hanging on Monday morning following the final confirmation of his death sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court. The charges were based on what authorities described as "intelligence cooperation in favor of the Zionist regime."

According to Iran’s Judiciary Media Center, as cited by Tasnim, Shayesteh led a Mossad-affiliated cyber team, acting as a direct liaison to Israeli intelligence. He allegedly conducted operations under the supervision of Mossad officers, using cyberspace, social media platforms, and encrypted messaging applications to coordinate espionage and psychological operations.

Tasnim detailed that the convicted individual "traveled to one of the neighboring countries for training and coordination," during which he met with two Mossad officers under the cover of an immigration-related company. Given his expertise in virtual operations, Shayesteh was reportedly assigned the role of a field coordinator, spearheading a network aimed at digital propaganda and disinformation.

"This anti-Iranian cyber network affiliated with Mossad operated under the supervision of officers from the Zionist service via cyberspace, social media platforms, and foreign messaging apps," the report stated.

Shayesteh's activities allegedly included brand-building against the Iranian Armed Forces, launching anti-Iran websites, and training other agents in operational security techniques. His Mossad contacts, codenamed "Manijeh" and "Reza," reportedly instructed him in covert procedures, which he later disseminated to his team.

The report also linked Shayesteh’s cyber network to the UK-based Persian-language media outlet Iran International. Tasnim accused Iran International of using the network's fabricated content in its programming and providing visibility to Shayesteh's affiliated online channels. The report described Iran International as playing "a significant supportive role in attracting audiences to the channels affiliated with the convict’s network."

In addition to cyber operations, Shayesteh allegedly engaged in "field phase" missions, including surveillance of sensitive sites, delivering threatening packages, and transmitting visual materials back to Mossad handlers through secure lines. "His role in the network was central and pivotal," Tasnim asserted.

Iranian intelligence agencies reportedly infiltrated the Mossad-linked network and began feeding it false information to compromise its operations. "Through complex intelligence and operational measures," Tasnim noted, several members of the network, including Shayesteh, were identified and arrested.

Following an investigation and legal proceedings that included what the report describes as "confessions from the defendant and his accomplices," the judiciary found Shayesteh "clearly and certainly guilty" and upheld his sentence.

The execution comes amid a broader wave of detentions and prosecutions linked to the ongoing military conflict between Iran and Israel, which erupted into full-scale confrontation on June 13, 2025. In that escalation, Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion," a multi-pronged air and drone offensive targeting over 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear and military facilities. The strikes, reportedly supported by Mossad teams, killed numerous senior Iranian scientists and IRGC commanders.

Iran retaliated with "Operation True Promise III," a massive missile and drone barrage aimed at Israeli cities and infrastructure. The exchange has resulted in extensive casualties on both sides: over 865 people have been reported killed in Iran and more than 3,396 wounded, according to HRANA, while Israel has confirmed at least 24 deaths, including civilians, and hundreds of injuries.

In the wake of this escalation, Iran’s Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei ordered an expedited legal process for cases involving espionage and collaboration with foreign intelligence services. Courts were instructed to avoid "lengthy bureaucratic delays," according to Tasnim.

Iran has long accused Mossad of targeting its nuclear and military programs through sabotage, cyber warfare, and the recruitment of operatives within Iranian territory. The execution of Shayesteh and others like him signals Tehran’s intensified crackdown on what it terms Zionist infiltration networks.

Two similar cases were reported in recent days. On Sunday, Iranian authorities executed Majid Mosayyebi in the city of Isfahan, following his conviction on charges of moharebeh (waging war against God) and ifsad fil-arz (corruption on earth). According to Tasnim News Agency, Mosayyebi had maintained regular contact with a Mossad operative named “David” and had transmitted intelligence concerning critical Iranian infrastructure and strategic personnel. He was reportedly compensated in cryptocurrency.

A third individual, Ismail Fekri, son of Khodanazar, was also executed after being convicted of espionage for Mossad. Arrested in December 2023, Fekri was accused of attempting to transmit classified information about sensitive government sites and personnel. Tasnim reported that he had engaged with Mossad handlers under the aliases “Amir” and another unnamed agent, and was instructed to use secure digital wallets to receive payment. The Iranian judiciary upheld his capital sentence after evidence retrieved from his devices confirmed his activities.

Iran International, the UK-based entity referenced in the report, describes itself as an independent media platform committed to balanced and impartial news coverage for all Iranians. No immediate response was published on their official channels regarding the allegations.

As of Monday, no international rights organizations had issued statements concerning the executions.