Iran Executes Mohsen Langarneshin for Espionage on Behalf of Mossad
On April 30, 2025, Iran executed Mohsen Langarneshin, a man accused of providing extensive support to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Langarneshin was hanged following his conviction on charges of espionage, including his involvement in key operations aimed at undermining Iran’s security. According to Iran’s judiciary, Langarneshin assisted Mossad for two years starting in 2020, offering logistical, technical, and operational support. His cooperation included participation in high-profile assassinations, notably the May 2022 killing of IRGC colonel Sayyad Khodai.
Langarneshin reportedly used a motorcycle to track Khodai’s movements, relayed critical information to Mossad, and was present at the scene of the assassination. He was also implicated in an attack on an Iranian industrial site linked to the Ministry of Defence. The Iranian judiciary claimed Langarneshin confessed to these activities, citing “extensive intelligence and technical evidence.”
Human Rights Groups Condemn Execution
Langarneshin’s execution has sparked condemnation from human rights organizations, including Iran Human Rights (IHR). Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, head of IHR, criticized the trial as unfair, claiming Langarneshin’s confession was obtained through torture. The US-based Abdorrahman Boroumand Center echoed these concerns, stating that Langarneshin had denied the charges and claimed his confessions were coerced. The organization further noted that the trial was conducted under the oversight of Judge Abolghasem Salavati, who is notorious for his role in handing down death sentences.
The execution has also attracted criticism from the international community, with several figures, including British-Iranian actress Nazanin Boniadi, calling it an “extrajudicial killing.”
Background on Iran-Israel Tensions and Prior Executions
Langarneshin’s execution is part of a larger trend of executions linked to alleged Mossad activities in Iran. The country has been embroiled in a shadow war with Israel for decades, with several individuals accused of espionage or sabotage targeting Iran’s nuclear program. In December 2023, Iran executed several individuals allegedly linked to Mossad.
This execution comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, particularly amid ongoing US-Iran nuclear talks. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused Israel of attempting to derail these negotiations, which are set to continue in Rome. The escalating conflict has raised concerns that such executions are being used to assert Iran’s stance on national security while sending a strong message to those allegedly working with foreign intelligence agencies.
