By

Amir Daftari is a Newsweek reporter primarily based in London, specializing in international affairs with a deal with the Center East. He joined Newsweek in 2024 from the United Nations and has beforehand labored at CNN Worldwide. A graduate of the London Faculty of Economics, Amir has obtained a number of awards for his reporting, together with his protection of the Arab Spring and the 2021 Iranian elections. You will get in contact with Amir by emailing a.daftari@newsweek.com. Languages: English and Farsi

Amir Daftari

Information Reporter

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Iran has executed Mohsen Langarneshin, a person convicted of finishing up espionage on behalf of Israel and accused of involvement within the assassination of a Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) officer, in keeping with the state-run Mizan information company.

Langarneshin was reportedly recruited and skilled in 2020 by Israel’s intelligence company, Mossad, and had been collaborating with them for over two years. His execution was carried out by hanging early Wednesday morning.

Newsweek has reached out the overseas ministries of Iran and Israel for remark.

Why It Issues

Langarneshin’s execution highlights the persistent shadow battle between Iran and Israel, marked by espionage, cyber operations and assassinations attributed to either side. Whereas Tehran portrays such actions as essential to defend nationwide safety towards overseas infiltration, critics usually elevate considerations about due course of and the usage of capital punishment.

The timing of the execution, amid heightened regional instability and renewed diplomatic contacts between Iran and the USA, might replicate Tehran’s try to claim management domestically whereas negotiating internationally.

What to Know

Iranian authorities accused Langarneshin of building contact with Mossad in 2020, present process coaching, and subsequently gathering categorized data. He was alleged to have performed a big position within the assassination of IRGC officer Sayad Khodai, though particular particulars in regards to the circumstances surrounding his demise weren’t disclosed.

Iranian officers stated Langarneshin met with senior Mossad brokers twice—as soon as in Georgia and as soon as in Nepal. In addition they stated he had helped put together autos for covert groups and handed them over to Mossad contacts.

Sample of Executions

Iran has a historical past of executing people accused of spying for overseas entities. In December 2022, 4 people have been hanged after being convicted of collaborating with Israel’s intelligence providers.

Amnesty Worldwide says that Iran in addition to Iraq and Saudi Arabia are chargeable for 91 p.c of world executions. Based on Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and French group Collectively In opposition to the Dying Penalty (ECPM), Iran carried out at the very least 975 executions final yr in a “horrifying escalation” of capital punishment.

What Folks Are Saying

Mizan Information Company reported: “Throughout his two years as a spy…he was chargeable for necessary actions, together with supporting terrorist operations and being current on the scene of the assassination of Sayad Khodai.”

IHR Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam stated: “Executions are a part of [Iran’s] battle towards its personal folks to take care of its grip on energy.”

What Occurs Subsequent

Iran’s execution of Langarneshin might heighten tensions with Israel and deepen regional uncertainty. Whereas it dangers scary additional battle, Tehran might view it as a present of power—reinforcing home authority and sending a message to allies and rivals alike amid a risky Center East.