Iran on Monday executed two men convicted of spying for Israel, according to the country’s judiciary, marking the latest in a series of executions linked to alleged espionage activities.

The executions come amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with Tehran intensifying its crackdown on individuals accused of collaborating with foreign intelligence agencies.

Iranian authorities have increasingly relied on the death penalty in recent months, particularly against those accused of working with Israel’s intelligence service, Mossad.

Convicted of espionage

Iran’s judiciary identified the two men as Omid Behzad and Pouria Safvat.

According to Mizan, the judiciary’s official news outlet, both men were executed after being convicted of transmitting the coordinates of sensitive military and security facilities to agents of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.

The report stated that they were found guilty of espionage and collaboration with what Iranian authorities described as the “Zionist regime.”

Officials alleged that the pair supplied information on military and security installations that assisted Israeli intelligence operations during the conflict.

However, the judiciary did not disclose when the two men were arrested or when their trial took place.

Executions rise amid conflict

The latest executions are part of a broader increase in the use of capital punishment since fighting erupted between Iran, Israel and the United States in February.

Iranian authorities have announced multiple executions involving individuals accused of espionage, sabotage and collaboration with foreign governments.

The government maintains that such actions are necessary to safeguard national security during a period of heightened military and political tensions.

Human rights organisations, however, have expressed concern over the pace of the executions and the transparency of the legal proceedings.

Rights groups raise concerns

International human rights organisations have continued to criticise Iran’s use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving political or security-related offences.

According to Amnesty International, Iran remains the world’s second-most prolific executioner after China.

Data compiled by Norway-based Iran Human Rights and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) indicated that at least 1,639 people were executed in Iran last year, the highest annual figure recorded since 1989.

Rights groups have repeatedly called on Iranian authorities to halt executions and ensure fair trial standards for all defendants.

Amnesty condemns recent hangings

Last week, Amnesty International condemned what it described as an escalation in executions after Iran announced the hanging of two other men convicted of participating in anti-government protests during the winter.

The organisation urged Iranian authorities to end the increasing use of capital punishment and respect international human rights obligations.

Iran, however, continues to defend its judicial process, insisting that individuals convicted of espionage, terrorism and other serious crimes are prosecuted in accordance with the country’s laws.

The latest executions underscore the deepening security tensions within Iran as authorities continue their crackdown on alleged foreign intelligence networks and domestic opponents.