On August 6, 2025, Iranian authorities executed two men in separate high-profile cases, one for allegedly spying for Israel's Mossad and another for plotting sabotage as a member of the Islamic State (IS) group, according to Iranian state media.

Axar.az reports that the alleged Israeli spy, Rouzbeh Vadi, was accused of passing classified intelligence to Mossad, including details on an Iranian nuclear scientist killed in June airstrikes by Israel.

Authorities claimed Vadi met with Mossad agents five times in Vienna, though details surrounding his arrest or the scientist’s identity remain undisclosed. Israel had previously confirmed it carried out targeted strikes during its brief conflict with Iran, reportedly killing 14 nuclear physicists and engineers.

Separately, Mehdi Aghazadeh, described as a member of the IS group, was executed for allegedly planning acts of sabotage in Iran. Officials stated he received military training in Syria and Iraq and entered Iran illegally with a four-man team, all of whom were later killed in clashes with Iranian forces.

These executions bring the total number of people hanged for espionage since the start of Iran’s conflict with Israel to seven, raising concerns among rights activists over a potential wave of politically motivated executions.

Iran’s judiciary said both executions were carried out following Supreme Court approval and full legal procedures.

The developments come amid heightened regional tensions and internal crackdowns, with Iran continuing to face pressure over its nuclear program and domestic unrest.