Iran executes two men after conviction in Mossad-linked spy case

On April 20, Iran executed two political prisoners after they were found guilty on charges related to national security, the judiciary's ​news outlet Mizan reports.

The two men, identified as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi, were accused of involvement in an alleged espionage network linked to Mossad and of receiving training abroad, including in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

They were convicted on charges including “enmity against God” and collaboration with hostile groups. Their death sentences were later confirmed by the Supreme Court before being implemented.

Iran Human Rights Monitor had previously warned that the two men were at imminent risk of execution after being transferred to an undisclosed location.

🚨BREAKING – Iran
Urgent reports confirm that political prisoners Hamed Validi and Nima Shahi have been transferred from Karaj Central Prison to an undisclosed location—raising serious fears of imminent execution.

Both were sentenced to death on “moharebeh” charges for… pic.twitter.com/NZo8zJgxlf

— IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) April 19, 2026

“Such transfers in Iran often signal executions are imminent,” the organisation said.

Both individuals were arrested in Tehran last year and were subjected to torture to obtain confessions.

“Reports indicate serious due process violations, including torture, forced confessions, lack of transparency, and denial of full legal defense,” Iran Human Rights Monitor stated.

They were later sentenced to death by Branch 3 of the Revolutionary Court in Karaj on charges of “enmity against God” (moharebeh) and propaganda against the Islamic Republic.

By Jeyhun Aghazada