Iran Executes Man Convicted of Spying for Israel's Mossad Amid Rising Tensions

Iran has executed a man identified as Ali Ardestani for allegedly spying for the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad. According to Mizan Online, the judiciary's official news agency, the execution was carried out on Wednesday (January 7) following a Supreme Court ruling and due legal process.

Ardestani was convicted of leaking sensitive national information to foreign operatives. Tensions between Tehran and Tel Aviv have escalated significantly since June, following strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities by Israeli and U.S. forces. In response, Iran has ramped up its crackdown on individuals suspected of maintaining ties with foreign intelligence services.

The execution comes as Iran faces its most severe domestic crisis in years. Anti-government protests, sparked by economic hardship and soaring inflation, have now spread to 92 cities across 27 provinces. Human rights organizations report that at least 36 people have died and over 2,000 have been arrested during the 10-day uprising. In Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, security forces have used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators.

As the Iranian Rial plunges to a record low, the government has formed a new Defense Council, warning of "preemptive action" if national sovereignty is threatened. Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump has warned of a strong response if the crackdown on protesters continues. With the cost of basic food items nearly doubling, the unrest shows no signs of subsiding.