Iran executed four individuals on Friday, including a woman, over allegations that the four were involved in sabotage operations in connections with Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, according to state-affiliated news agency Mizan. 

Mizan reported Iran executed four individuals in its West Azerbaijan province, including Vafa Henareh, Aram Omari, Rahman Parehzou, and Nasim Namazi. The four were accused of collaborating with Mossad to disrupt the country’s security. The group allegedly engaged in activities such as abduction, threats and arson after receiving payments from Mossad. Vafa Henareh, the head of the network, reportedly played a crucial role in coordinating Mossad operations in Iran. The Supreme Court of Iran upheld death sentences for the main convicts, with others receiving ten years in prison. The execution was carried out following the court’s decision.

Earlier this month, the UN Human Rights Office strongly condemned Iran’s execution of 17-year-old Hamidreza Azari and 22-year-old Milad Zohrevand on November 24. Azari was executed for murder at the age of 17, violating international agreements prohibiting such actions for individuals below the age of 18. The UN’s statement urged Iran to impose a moratorium on death penalty cases and cease using criminal procedures against political activists and those exercising freedom of speech and peaceful assembly.

Iran faces international criticism for its high execution rates, particularly concerning cases involving minors and political activists. Rooted in Islamic law, Iran’s legal system, including the Islamic Penal Code, allows capital punishment for various offenses, contributing to its standing as one of the leading countries in executions. The global community continues to press for Iran to align its policies with international standards and work towards the abolition of the death penalty.

Israel and Iran have a longstanding and hostile relationship, marked by political tensions and regional power struggles. Iran opposes Israel’s existence, supporting groups like Hezbollah, while Israel is concerned about Iran’s nuclear program. This animosity plays out in diplomatic conflicts and proxy engagements in the region. The situation is dynamic and has deteriorated since the beginning of the war in Gaza on October 7.