IRAN - Hossein Pedaran executed for espionage

September 19, 2026 - IRAN. Hossein Pedaran executed

15th Execution for Espionage in 2026

State media reported that Hossein Pedaran, a man sentenced to death for charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of Israel,” was executed at an undisclosed location. He is the 15th person to be executed for alleged espionage in 2026. 

According to the judiciary’s Mizan News Agency, a man named Hossein Pedaran was executed. The report does not specify the location or date of the execution. He was sentenced to death on charges of “espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of the Zionist regime.” A short clip of his forced confession was aired shortly after news of his execution.

Hossein had allegedly engaged in espionage by passing classified information regarding sensitive military sites, equipment and personnel in Isfahan province to the Israeli intelligence service, Mossad. Authorities asserted that the intelligence he supplied enabled targeted enemy strikes during the 12-Day and 40-Day Wars, resulting in casualties among military personnel. Regarding the circumstances of his arrest, authorities claim Hossein had temporarily severed contact with Mossad but attempted to re-establish communication via Telegram as soon as “enemy attacks commenced,” leading to his interception and detention by Iranian security agencies.

Hossein was indicted on multiple charges, including espionage and intelligence cooperation in favour of the Zionist regime, as well as “attempting intelligence cooperation with the hostile government of the United States” through an initial approach to the CIA.

According to the report, a state forensic medical evaluation concluded that the defendant suffered from no mental disorder causing a loss of free will or discernment, indicating that his defence had relied on arguments of diminished capacity or mental impairment. 

According to Hossein’s online accounts and website, he had a company called “iNoti” which specialised in affordable web design, digital resume creation, search engine optimisation and business consultancy. No independent information is available about his case.

At least fifteen people have been executed for espionage charges in 2026. Thirteen were accused of espionage for Israel and the United States, and two Iraqi nationals were accused of espionage for an unknown Arab country.