Iran Executes Alleged Mossad Spy Accused in Revolutionary Guard Assassination
May 1, 2025
Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities have executed Mohsen Langarneshin, a 36-year-old former IT consultant accused of collaborating with Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency in the 2022 assassination of Colonel Hassan Sayyad Khodaei, a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The execution, carried out by hanging at Ghezel Hesar prison, was confirmed by state media. Langarneshin was labeled a “senior spy” who provided technical support to the Mossad in orchestrating the high-profile murder in Tehran, where Khodaei was shot five times outside his home by assailants on a motorbike.
Human Rights Groups Reject Verdict
Despite official claims, Langarneshin’s family and rights groups have maintained his innocence. They argue that the charges were fabricated and the confession obtained through torture. “We’ve presented evidence proving his innocence, but the court refused to consider any of it,” said his mother in a plea issued just a day before the execution.
The execution drew strong criticism from international organizations. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam of Iran Human Rights described it as a “state-sanctioned extrajudicial killing,” adding that the Iranian justice system continues to operate in secrecy, often punishing innocent individuals in the absence of concrete evidence.
Allegations of Mossad Recruitment
According to the state-run IRNA, Langarneshin had been recruited by Mossad in 2020 and met with Israeli agents in Georgia and Nepal. Authorities allege he provided logistical support not only for the Khodaei assassination but also for other sabotage operations.
However, human rights observers say such cases frequently target scapegoats after the real agents have left the country. The US-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center stated that Langarneshin's trial was held in a revolutionary court under Judge Abolghasem Salavati, notorious for harsh and politically motivated verdicts. Salavati is under US and EU sanctions for human rights violations.
Rising Execution Rates in Iran
Langarneshin is one of hundreds executed in Iran in recent years. So far in 2025, at least 335 people have reportedly been hanged. In 2024, executions surpassed 900, reflecting a growing crackdown by the Iranian regime. Previous cases have also involved accusations of collaboration with Israel, often ending in similar outcomes.
Ongoing Shadow War and Diplomatic Tensions
The execution underscores the persistent shadow war between Iran and Israel, marked by covert assassinations, espionage, and cyber operations. Israel is widely believed to be behind numerous attacks on Iranian scientists and military leaders connected to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
Meanwhile, in Israel, a 72-year-old citizen was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison for plotting with Iranian intelligence to assassinate top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Diplomatic tensions also persist, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announcing a new round of nuclear negotiations with the US scheduled in Rome this Saturday. Meetings with France, Germany, and the UK are expected ahead of the main talks.