Iran has executed Erfan Shakourzadeh, a 29-year-old aerospace engineering graduate, on charges of spying for both the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israel's Mossad intelligence service. The execution was reported by Iran's state-run IRNA news agency on Tuesday.
Details of the Case
According to IRNA, Shakourzadeh worked at a scientific organisation involved in satellite activities. He was accused of sharing classified scientific information with foreign intelligence services. The rights group Iran Human Rights Society stated that Shakourzadeh, who was arrested in 2025, was forced into his confession.
Context of Executions
This execution is part of a series of hangings in Iran that have occurred since nationwide protests in January. The judiciary chief has indicated an intent to increase the speed of such executions against perceived enemies. Earlier this month, Iran also executed Yaghoub Karimpour and Nasser Bakarzadeh, who were accused of spying for Israel. One of them allegedly gathered intelligence near the Natanz nuclear site.
The Iranian authorities have not provided further details on the evidence against Shakourzadeh. International human rights organisations have condemned the execution, calling for an end to the use of capital punishment in such cases.
