The Iranian government has confirmed the arrest of 20 people accused of working for Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in recent months. Officials say these arrests are part of a wider effort to counter espionage activities targeting Iran's security and nuclear programs.

Judiciary representatives stated the suspects will face strict punishment with no leniency. They stressed the arrests serve as a warning to other potential spies. Some detainees have been released after charges were dropped, but the judiciary did not provide exact numbers.

Earlier this week, Iran executed Rouzbeh Vadi, a nuclear scientist accused of spying for Israel. State media said Vadi also passed information about another scientist who was killed during Israeli air strikes on Iran in June. Officials called his case an example of firm action against espionage.

The year 2025 has seen a rise in executions for spying-related crimes in Iran. Reports confirm that at least eight people convicted of working for Israel have been executed recently. Iranian authorities say such measures are essential to protect the country's national security.

In June, Israel carried out 12 days of air strikes on Iran, hitting military leaders, nuclear experts, strategic sites, and residential areas. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets, escalating regional tensions.

According to human rights group HRANA, Israeli air strikes in Iran killed 1,190 people, including 436 civilians and 435 security personnel. Israel reported 28 deaths from Iran's retaliatory strikes, further fueling ongoing hostilities.

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