Iran executed four individuals it claims were associated with an Israeli intelligence operation backed by Israel’s Mossad Agency. Iran charged the four individuals with orchestrating a bomb attack on a factory in the city of Isfahan, known for manufacturing weapons and equipment for Iran’s Ministry of Defence. The plot was intended to take place during the summer of 2022 but was averted by Iranian intelligence.

According to a statement from Mizan Online, an entity affiliated with the Iranian judiciary, Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency identified and recruited the four individuals. They were then allegedly sent to various African countries in multiple stages to undergo operational training.

The four were charged with intelligence cooperation in favour of the usurping Zionist regime, punishable by death according to the Law on Confronting Hostile Acts of Zionists against Peace and Security. Additionally, it charged them with the forming and managing of a terrorist group with the aim of disrupting the country’s security. The Islamic Revolution Court rendered a guilty verdict, which was subsequently upheld on appeal by the Supreme Court.

This is not the only recent execution by Iran as a result of links to Israel’s Mossad. In December 2023, Iran executed four individuals on Friday, including a woman, over allegations that the four were involved in sabotage operations in connection with Mossad, according to Mizan. 

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.

Last week, UN experts urged Iran to halt its “horrific wave of executions” in relation to another execution. Criticism against Iran’s high execution rates, especially involving minors and activists, persists, with calls for alignment with international standards and abolishing the death penalty. Iran’s legal system and its Islamic Penal Code allow capital punishment, contributing to its status as a leading country in executions. As per Iran Human Rights, there have been 52 executions in 2024 alone.