In a move underscoring Iran’s hardened posture against Israeli intelligence activity, authorities announced Monday the execution of Esmail Fekri, a man convicted of espionage on behalf of the Mossad. His death by hanging followed final approval of the sentence by Iran’s Supreme Court, ending a months-long trial that state media described as “a blow to Zionist infiltration.”
Fekri, identified in official reports as Esmail Fekri, son of Khodanezar, was arrested in Alborz Province in December 2023 after what Iranian officials called “a prolonged and precise intelligence operation.” Iranian security services alleged that Fekri had worked directly with two Mossad officers and transmitted highly sensitive data about the Islamic Republic’s infrastructure, security personnel, and strategic installations.
According to a detailed profile published by Persian Ettelaat newspaper, Fekri confessed to having been recruited by Mossad agents who used encrypted communication platforms and pseudonyms. One of the agents reportedly went by the alias “Amir.” Fekri admitted to gathering classified files on strategic military sites, government missions, and sensitive public figures. He also admitted to installing a cryptocurrency wallet in Tir 1401 (June–July 2022) to receive payments from Mossad handlers.
According to Iran International, a spokesperson for the judiciary, stated that the court had reviewed substantial “digital and physical evidence,” including espionage hardware recovered from Fekri’s residence. The court also cited “intent to sabotage,” a legal term used in cases involving national security.
The report added that the final verdict was upheld by Divan-e-Ali Keshvar (the Supreme Court), confirming Fekri’s conviction on the charges of “ifsād fī al-arḍ” (corruption on Earth), espionage, and “moharebeh” (waging war against God).
BBC Persian reported that the execution took place on the morning of June 16, 2025 (26 Khordad 1404), in Tehran. The BBC confirmed the judiciary’s announcement but did not verify the details independently. It noted, however, that the execution was likely to raise concerns internationally, especially among human rights groups that oppose capital punishment in espionage cases.
BBC Persian also pointed to Tehran’s recent pattern of publicly announcing spy arrests as part of a “counter-intelligence narrative aimed at projecting strength.” The report cited earlier cases in which Iran claimed to have dismantled Mossad-backed operations involving drones, explosives, and psychological warfare campaigns.
A Signal to Israel and the West
The timing of the execution coincides with increasing tensions across the region, as Iranian leaders accuse Israel of orchestrating assassinations and cyberattacks on Iranian territory. Officials in Tehran have frequently cited a “Zionist plot” to undermine the stability of the Islamic Republic through espionage and sabotage.
Fekri’s execution by Iran Goverment “sends a clear message to the Zionist regime and its agents,” and that any future breach of Iranian sovereignty would be met with “absolute national resistance and legal retaliation.”
Earlier operations by Iranian security forces have revealed broader Mossad-linked activities across the country. Iran announced the dismantling of a Mossad-affiliated cell in the eastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, seizing drones, explosives, and bomb-making equipment used for planned sabotage attacks according to Shafaq. And also Iranian authorities arrested 19 individuals accused of having direct ties to Israel’s intelligence agency and planning coordinated terror operations across multiple provinces according to Shafaq News. These cases were widely reported as part of an expanding counterintelligence campaign targeting foreign infiltration.
Though Israel has not officially responded to the execution, media outlets in Tel Aviv have reported on rising anxiety over the increasing effectiveness of Iranian counterintelligence units. Several Israeli publications have pointed to a growing number of Israeli-linked espionage operations that have been exposed in Iran since early 2022.
International Reactions: UN and Human Rights Concerns
While no Western government has commented publicly on Fekri’s execution, UN human rights officials have consistently expressed concern about Iran’s frequent application of the death penalty in high-profile or politically charged cases. During its 58th session, the UN Human Rights Council called for a moratorium on executions, noting their sharp increase. Earlier this year, the UN High Commissioner also urged Iran to suspend use of capital punishment, especially in cases lacking transparent fairness and due process, according to IHRNGO.
Not Just One Spy
Despite its global reputation, Israel’s Mossad agency increasingly relies on covert sabotage and psychological infiltration instead of facing Iran directly on the geopolitical stage. These operations—often involving civilian proxies, digital misinformation, and bribery—expose the agency’s cowardice and desperation. Rather than challenge Iran openly, Mossad hides behind operatives planted in media networks and cyber platforms, destabilizing from the shadows.
The recent capture and execution of Esmail Fekri has pulled back the curtain on Mossad’s failed strategies inside Iran. Iranian intelligence not only exposed Fekri’s espionage, but dismantled wider cells linked to Israeli handlers. Unlike the cloak-and-dagger chaos Israel exports, Iran has responded with legal clarity, judicial process, and a transparent approach to national security.
While Israel spreads chaos through sabotage, Iran’s security forces continue to preserve sovereignty through lawful intelligence defense. Mossad’s failures in Iran highlight the strength and vigilance of the Islamic Republic, proving once again that Tehran will not be intimidated by foreign plots or backdoor warfare. The age of unchecked Israeli operations inside Iran is rapidly closing.
Esmail Fekri’s execution is more than a single act of justice, according to Iranian officials—it is a declaration of war in the shadows. For Tehran, dismantling Mossad’s alleged spy network is not only a security imperative but a geopolitical symbol of defiance against Israeli aggression and Western complicity.
While human rights groups question the legality and fairness of the process, Iran has doubled down. In the words of the Ministry of Intelligence: “Those who aid the enemy will face the full consequences of betrayal.”
