Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel

Iranian authorities have executed a man accused of providing Israel with information about Iranian missile installations in the central province of Isfahan.

Iran’s judiciary announced the execution on Saturday, identifying the man as Hossein Pedaran and alleging that he supplied information on missile sites to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.

“The death penalty was carried out against Hossein Pedaran, who had provided the Mossad with information on missile sites in Isfahan province,” the judiciary said.

Authorities said Pedaran was convicted of espionage and intelligence cooperation with Israel.

The judiciary did not disclose when Pedaran was arrested or tried but said Iran’s Supreme Court had upheld his death sentence.

The case had not previously been reported publicly, according to the available account.

The execution comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iranian authorities increasing arrests and carrying out executions in cases linked to alleged espionage and security activities.

Isfahan has been a major target during the conflict, with the province hosting sensitive military and nuclear facilities. Several Iranian missile sites have also been targeted during the fighting.

In August, Iranian authorities announced the execution of two other men accused of providing Israel with the coordinates of sensitive military and security installations.

Iran has previously accused Israel of using intelligence networks inside the country to gather information on military and strategic facilities.

Rights groups have criticised Iran’s use of the death penalty, saying the country carries out executions at a high rate. China is generally estimated to execute more people, although the exact number of executions there is not publicly known.