Iran | Second Man Hanged for Israel Espionage in 2026

Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO); 28 January 2026: State media reported the execution of Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour for charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of Mossad” at an unspecified location.

According to the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, a man named Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour was executed on charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of Mossad through contact with an intelligence officer and transfer classified documents and information.

The date and location of the execution have not been specified. He was arrested on 29 April 2025, per the report.

Prior to today, no news or reports had been published regarding Hamidreza’s arrest or conviction.

After the twelve-day war between Israel and Iran, the “Law on Intensifying the Punishment for Espionage and Cooperation with the Zionist Regime and Hostile States against National Security and Interests” was adopted by the Majles (Parliament) on 28 September 2025. It was subsequently published/promulgated on 15 October.

Hamidreza Sabet Esmailpour is the second person to be executed for alleged espionage for Israel in 2026 and the thirteenth to be executed since the twelve-day war between Israel and Iran.

Since 30 April 2025, the Islamic Republic has executed Mohsen Langarneshin, Pedram Madani, Esmail Fekri, Majid Mosayebi, Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, Edris Ali, Azad Shojaei, Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul, Rouzbeh Vadi, Babak Shahbazi, Bahram Choobi, Javad Naeimi, Aghil Keshavarzi and Ali Ardestani.

Source: Iran Human Rights, Staff, January 28, 2026

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