Iran Executes Man Accused Of Spying For Israel And Aiding Military Assassination
Iran has executed a man accused of spying for Israel and assisting in the 2022 assassination of a senior military officer.
According to Iran’s judiciary news outlet, Mizan Online, the man, Mohsen Langarneshin, was hanged on Wednesday morning.
Authorities claimed he was a “high-ranking spy” working with Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, to carry out operations in Iran.
Langarneshin was accused of playing a direct role in the killing of Colonel Sayyad Khodaei in May 2022.
Khodaei, a member of Iran’s elite Quds Force, was shot dead outside his home in Tehran by gunmen on motorcycles.
Iranian officials alleged that Langarneshin purchased a motorcycle used to surveil Khodaei’s movements prior to the assassination.
No details were given about when Langarneshin was arrested or tried before the execution was carried out.
Iran has long accused Israel of targeting its nuclear and military personnel in coordinated attacks within and outside the country.
The government of Iran maintains that Mossad has repeatedly carried out acts of sabotage and assassination on its soil.
Iranian state media claimed Khodaei had served in Syria, where Iran supported the Assad regime during the civil war.
Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, though reports suggest it informed the U.S. of its role in the attack.
Iran regularly executes individuals it accuses of spying for Israel, particularly those allegedly linked to Mossad operations.
In December 2023, another man was executed in Iran for similar espionage charges tied to Mossad activities.
In the previous year, four people were also hanged on accusations of spying for foreign intelligence services, including Israel.
Iran’s judiciary insists such actions are vital to national security and protecting state officials from targeted killings.
Tensions between Iran and Israel remain high, with both countries accusing each other of regional destabilization and covert operations.
International human rights groups have criticized Iran’s use of capital punishment, especially for alleged espionage and political crimes.
Iran has responded by saying its legal system upholds sovereignty and national defense, particularly against foreign intelligence threats.
The latest execution is expected to further strain relations between Iran and Israel in the already volatile Middle East.
Observers warn that future covert confrontations between Iran and Israel could escalate into more direct or regional conflict.
