Iran executed Erfan Shakourzadeh, a 29-year-old postgraduate student at Iran University of Science and Technology, on charges of espionage for the CIA and Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, Iranian judicial authorities confirmed on Monday.
The judiciary’s Mizan Online website reported Shakourzadeh’s conviction and hanging, marking him as the latest individual executed amid escalating tensions linked to Iran’s ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
Details of the Case
Shakourzadeh, who graduated with an electrical engineering degree from the University of Tabriz before enrolling in aerospace engineering graduate studies, was arrested in February 2025. Iranian authorities accused him of sharing sensitive information related to his satellite technology work, including workplace access and operational duties, with foreign espionage agencies.
State media indicated that the executed student’s confessions would be broadcast on television. However, human rights organizations Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Hengaw, citing a note from Shakourzadeh prior to the execution, said his confessions were coerced under torture during prolonged solitary confinement.
According to Hengaw, Shakourzadeh wrote, “I was arrested on fabricated espionage charges and, after eight and a half months of torture and solitary confinement, was forced into a false confession. Do not let another innocent life be taken in silence.” IHR described him as an “elite student” who had endured severe physical and psychological torture to extract the confessions.
Pattern of Executions Amid Political Unrest
Shakourzadeh is the fifth person executed on espionage allegations since February 2026, coinciding with Iran’s intensified state actions linked to its war with the United States and Israel. Additionally, Iranian authorities have executed 13 men charged in connection with the January 2026 protests, one individual linked to 2022 demonstrations, and 10 suspected of affiliation with banned opposition groups, according to IHR.
Rights groups frequently criticize Iran for using capital punishment as a tool to deter dissent and spread fear during periods of domestic and international tension. Shakourzadeh was reportedly transferred recently from Evin prison to Ghezel Hesar prison, where he was executed at dawn.
Iran is the world’s second-largest executor after China. Human rights organizations reported at least 1,639 executions in Iran during 2025, including 48 women, and have recorded at least 190 executions so far in 2026.
Why it matters
This execution highlights the Iranian judiciary’s ongoing use of the death penalty against accused spies and political dissidents amid escalating geopolitical tensions. The case reflects concerns from human rights groups about due process violations, forced confessions, and harsh treatment of defendants in politically sensitive trials.
Such executions may further exacerbate tensions between Tehran and Western governments, especially given the accusations involving U.S. and Israeli intelligence services.
Background
Iran has increasingly used capital punishment following nationwide protests sparked by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and subsequent anti-government demonstrations. The Iranian judiciary has publicly pledged to accelerate executions to combat internal dissent and counter perceived foreign threats.
Recent executions have included political protesters and individuals accused of violent acts during unrest, including members of Iran’s national sports teams.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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