Iran’s judiciary announced on Saturday the arrest of 20 individuals accused of working as operatives for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
The judiciary warned that it will show no leniency towards the alleged spies, emphasizing that firm punishments will be imposed to serve as an example.
Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangiri, speaking to reporters in Tehran, confirmed that some of the suspects had been released after charges against them were dropped, but did not specify how many. He added that full details would be disclosed once investigations are complete.
The announcement follows the execution on Wednesday of nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi, who was convicted of espionage for Israel. State media reported that Vadi passed sensitive information concerning another Iranian nuclear scientist, who was killed during Israel’s air strikes on Iran in June.
This year has seen a significant increase in executions of Iranians convicted of spying for Israel, with at least eight death sentences carried out in recent months.
In June, Israel launched a 12-day air campaign targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, including top generals and nuclear scientists, as well as residential areas. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli territory.
The rights group HRANA reported that the Israeli strikes resulted in 1,190 Iranian deaths, including 436 civilians and 435 security personnel.
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