Iran warns of death penalty and asset seizures for spying, aiding enemies

Iran has begun to strictly enforce its new espionage law in an environment of rising tensions; Judiciary Spokesman Asghar Jahangir stated that even sharing photos and videos containing information with the U.S. and Israel would be considered "collaboration with the enemy" and that this crime would be punishable by death.

People accused of spying or cooperating with “hostile states” could face the death penalty and confiscation of all assets under a recently enhanced law, an Iranian judiciary spokesperson says, a month into the war with the United States and Israel.

Under the law accepted and expanded in scope last October, sharing photos or videos of "damaged areas" is also considered a crime. The spokesperson argued that such content confirms the accuracy of targets, stating, "These images inform the enemy that the target has been accurately hit. Providing such information is equivalent to collaborating with the enemy in the field of intelligence."

Iranian media has reported more than 1,000 arrests over the course of the month, related to individuals accused of filming sensitive locations, sharing anti-government content online, or “cooperating with the enemy.”

The judiciary spokesman says the legislation, passed last year, applies to operational, intelligence and certain media activities deemed to support hostile governments. He warns those creating “fear” through misinformation could face prison terms, with penalties increased in wartime.

He adds that authorities have issued around 200 indictments in such cases and are working with security bodies to identify and seize assets linked to suspects, stressing that there will be no leniency in enforcing the law.

Source: Reuters, X, Staff, March 31, 2026

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