Iran arrests 20 suspected Mossad operatives, vows harsh punishment

Iranian authorities announced the arrest of 20 individuals alleged to be operatives of Israel's Mossad spy agency in recent months. The judiciary has warned that those involved will face no leniency and will be made examples of.

On August 6, Iran executed Rouzbeh Vadi, a nuclear scientist convicted of spying for Israel and passing information related to another nuclear scientist who was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Iran in June, according to state media, Caliber.Az cites a Reuters report. 

Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangiri told reporters in Tehran that some of the 20 suspects had their charges dropped and were released, though he did not specify the number.

"The judiciary will show no leniency toward spies and agents of the Zionist regime, and with firm rulings, will make an example of them all," Jahangiri said.

He added that full details would be made public once investigations are complete.

Executions of Iranians convicted of spying for Israel have risen significantly this year, with at least eight death sentences carried out in recent months.

By Sabina Mammadli