Two men executed in Iran for spying for Israel

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Iran executed two men accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad during the recent conflict and domestic unrest, including targeting sensitive military and nuclear sites. These executions underscore Tehran’s intensified crackdown on perceived foreign interference amid ongoing protests and heightened tensions over its nuclear program.

Iran executed two men on Thursday for allegedly spying for Israel, according to Iranian state media and judicial sources. The executions took place amid heightened tensions involving Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing domestic unrest.

The judiciary identified the men as Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bakarzadeh, who were sentenced to death on charges of cooperating with Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. Karimpour was accused of transmitting sensitive information to a Mossad operative, including filming and photographing security and military sites during a 12-day conflict with Israel in June 2025. This state of conflict was described by authorities as an “imposed war.” Bakarzadeh was charged with gathering intelligence on government and religious officials, as well as key locations such as the Natanz nuclear facility in Isfahan province. The timeline of Bakarzadeh’s intelligence activities was not specified.

The executions add to a recent series carried out by Iranian authorities targeting individuals linked to widespread protests that erupted in December 2025. The demonstrations began over economic grievances but escalated into broader anti-government unrest by early January. Officials have attributed the violence and unrest to foreign interference, naming Israel, the United States, and opposition groups including the banned People’s Mujahedin organization as instigators.

In a related development on Thursday, Iranian authorities confirmed the execution of Sasan Azadvar, charged with acting on behalf of opposition groups by attacking police during the protests in central Isfahan province. Iranian officials have characterized the demonstrations as initially peaceful but later transforming into foreign-backed riots marked by violence and property destruction.

Details regarding the arrests and trial procedures of Karimpour and Bakarzadeh have not been disclosed. The executions come amid Iran’s efforts to assert its security posture both domestically and in its ongoing conflict with Israel over nuclear and regional security issues.