Iran executed Esmail Fekri on June 16 after he was convicted of spying for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency since 2023, the Judiciary's Media Centre announced.

The execution comes amid escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel since June 13, with both nations conducting strikes within each other's territories, causing hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Iranian officials have reported multiple arrests linked to recent Israeli strikes, some believed to be coordinated from within Iranian territory, as security agencies intensify inspections for Israeli intelligence agents.

Fekri, son of Khodanazar, was arrested in December 2023 during an intelligence operation by Iranian security agencies whilst actively communicating with Mossad operatives, Mizan news agency reported.

The convicted spy had maintained contact with two Mossad officers and attempted to transmit classified national security information, including locations of strategic sites and internal organisational missions, through secure communication channels.

Judicial records revealed Fekri began cooperating with Mossad after being vetted by a senior officer, later working with a handler named "Amir" who instructed him to establish encrypted communication platforms and set up a cryptocurrency wallet for operational payments in July 2022.

Iranian intelligence services monitored Fekri's communications and identified the broader espionage network before conducting a targeted arrest operation. Forensic analysis of his electronic devices uncovered detailed communications and instructions from Mossad handlers.

Fekri was convicted of "Moharebeh" (enmity against God) and "Efsad fel-Arz" (corruption on Earth) based on documentary evidence, forensic findings, confessions and proof of payments received from Mossad.

The death sentence was issued under Article 6 of the Law on Countering the Hostile Actions of Israel against Peace and Security and upheld by the Supreme Court following comprehensive legal proceedings.

Update: Due to demand for further information on the death of the man, the judiciary later released images of the Fekri following his execution.