Iran arrests 20 alleged Israeli spies

Iran’s judiciary said on Saturday that 20 people suspected of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency have been detained in recent months, vowing they will face strict punishment and serve as a warning to others.

The statement came days after the execution of nuclear scientist Rouzbeh Vadi, who was found guilty of spying for Israel and providing information on another scientist killed during Israeli air strikes in June, according to state media.

Judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangiri said some of the detainees had their charges dropped and were released, though he did not specify how many. He stressed that there would be “no leniency” for confirmed spies and that final details would be disclosed once investigations conclude.

Executions of Iranians convicted of espionage for Israel have risen sharply this year, with at least eight carried out in recent months. In June, Israel launched 12 days of air raids on Iran, striking military leaders, nuclear experts, facilities, and civilian areas. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks.

Rights group HRANA reported 1,190 Iranian deaths during the 12-day Israeli attacks, including 436 civilians and 435 security personnel.

Israel said 28 were killed in Iran's retaliatory attack.

With inputs from agencies