Iran approves bill to toughen penalties for espionage

Iran’s Guardian Council has approved a bill that increases penalties for espionage and collaboration with hostile states, including Israel, after finding it consistent with Islamic law and the constitution, state media reported on October 1.

Hadi Tahan Nazif, the council’s spokesperson, said on X that the legislation had previously contained “ambiguous and complex provisions” but was revised by parliament before receiving final approval, Caliber.Az reports.

طرح «تشدید مجازات جاسوسی و همکاری با رژیم صهیونیستی و کشور‌های متخاصم علیه امنیت و منافع ملی» که در مراحل قبل با ابهامات و اشکالاتی مواجه شده بود، پس از انجام اصلاحات در مجلس شورای اسلامی و بررسی مجدد در شورای نگهبان، مغایر با موازین شرع و اصول قانون اساسی شناخته نشد.

— هادی طحان نظیف (@tahan_nazif) October 1, 2025

“The bill on strengthening punishments for espionage and cooperation with the Israeli regime and countries hostile to Iran’s security and national interests has been reviewed again and was found not to contradict Sharia law or constitutional principles,” Tahan Nazif wrote.

Iran's decades-long shadow war with Israel has fueled rampant espionage, with Mossad deeply infiltrating Tehran's security apparatus to sabotage nuclear and military targets. Since the June 2025 12-day conflict—triggered by Israeli strikes killing IRGC commanders like Hossein Salami—Iran has executed at least 10 alleged Mossad spies, including Bahman Choobiasl in September, for telecom data breaches.

Authorities arrested over 700 suspects in June alone, targeting "active networks" aiding precision attacks on air defences and missile sites. Tactics include smuggled drones, AI-guided strikes, and human assets planting explosives near SAM batteries.

Recent cases highlight coercion: In May, teacher Afshin Ghorbani Meishani faced execution for Mossad "collaboration," his confession allegedly forced via solitary confinement.

August raids netted 261 more for unauthorised filming and spying. Iran's response escalated with the October 1 Guardian Council approval of harsher penalties, including death for "corruption on earth," amid over 1,000 executions in 2025.

By Aghakazim Guliyev