Iran executes man who worked in ‘satellite field’ for allegedly spying for Mossad, CIA

Rights group says aerospace engineering graduate Erfan Shakourzadeh, 29, was forced to confess; Tehran is accused of using satellite program to advance ballistic missile capabilities

Iran said Monday it had hanged a man convicted of spying for Israel and the United States, the latest in a wave of executions during the war with the two foes.

“Erfan Shakourzadeh… was hanged for collaborating with the US intelligence service and the Mossad spy service,” the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.

It did not specify when he was executed or when he was arrested, but said he worked at one of Iran’s “scientific organizations active in the satellite field.”

Iran has long faced Western accusations that its satellite program is being used to advance ballistic missile capabilities.

Mizan said Shakourzadeh had “knowingly and willingly” passed classified information to the CIA and Mossad.

According to rights group Iran Human Rights Society, Shakourzadeh, a 29-year-old graduate of aerospace engineering, was arrested in 2025 and was forced into his confession.

Iran is the world’s second-most prolific executioner after China, according to rights groups.

Norway-based group Iran Human Rights says the Islamic Republic executed at least 1,500 people last year, one of the highest numbers worldwide.

Israel and the US launched a war against the Iranian regime at the end of February, with a shaky ceasefire in place since April 8.

Since the start of the conflict, Iran has ramped up executions, particularly in cases involving alleged espionage or security-related charges.

Last week, Tehran executed three men convicted of involvement in anti-government protests that rocked the country in December and January.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.