Iran judiciary executes two men for spying for Israel's Mossad
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 2
Iran judiciary executes two men for spying for Israel's Mossad
11 articles · Updated · CNN · May 2
The men were identified as Yaghoub Karimpour and Naser Bakrzadeh, with authorities saying the Supreme Court upheld both death sentences after legal proceedings.
Officials alleged Karimpour passed sensitive information to a Mossad officer during Iran's 12-day war with Israel, while rights groups said both cases involved coerced confessions or detention abuses.
Hengaw said Karimpour was convicted of "corruption on earth," and HRANA said 26-year-old Bakrzadeh's sentence was twice overturned before being reimposed.
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Inside Iran’s 2026 Spy Trials and Executions: Forced Confessions, Nuclear Sabotage, and Regional Fallout
Overview
In May 2026, Iran executed Yaghoub Karimpour and Naser Bakarzadeh for espionage linked to Israel, amid a harsh crackdown following widespread protests triggered by economic collapse in late 2025. The trials were criticized for forced confessions, restricted legal access, and vague charges. These executions occurred during a fragile ceasefire after a 2025 US-Israel airstrike severely damaged Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, which remains a key target of espionage and sabotage. Iran responded with mass arrests and executions of alleged spies, escalating tensions with Israel and regional neighbors. This ongoing cycle of covert actions, retaliation, and internal repression fuels a dangerous standoff with serious risks for regional stability and nuclear security.