Iranian justice announced this on Tuesday death sentences for three people accused of spying for Israel and attempting to smuggle material into the country for the 2020 assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, an action for which Tehran accused Tel Aviv.
The three convicts snitched “for the occupation regime (Israel)” with “the pretext of alcohol smuggling“, as reported by the spokesperson of the Iranian judiciary, Asghar Jahangir, in a press conference.
Jahangir also indicated that the three prisoners, whose names he did not provide nor the date of their sentence, “They tried to bring material into the country to assassinate Fakhrizadeh“in 2020.
Fakhrizadeh was shot to death remote-controlled in the Absard area, in the province of Tehran, in a murder that Iran has defined as “state terrorism” and of which accused Israel.
The scientist was considered by Western intelligence services to be the director of the alleged secret Iranian program develop nuclear weapons and died in hospital from injuries sustained during the attack.
Convicted of murder
The Iranian authorities executed this Monday the young Arvin Ghahremani, a 20-year-old Iranian Jew convicted of murder, after the victim’s family had initially accepted “diyya” (financial compensation), but then changed their mind and He asked for execution after discovering his religion.
The sentences announced this Tuesday come in the midst of one new escalation of tension between Iran and Israel, which killed five Iranians in an attack a few days ago against Iran, which has promised revenge and which has already bombed the Jewish state earlier this month with around 180 missiles.
The Israeli attack came weeks after Iran attacked Israel on October 1 with around 180 missiles in response to the deaths of Ismael Haniya, leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, and Hasan Nasrallah, leader of the Lebanese militia-party Hezbollah.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Leila Rahimi, Middle East Political Analyst
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rahimi. The recent announcement from Iran regarding the death sentences for three individuals accused of espionage for Israel has raised significant concerns. What are your initial thoughts on the implications of this decision?
Dr. Leila Rahimi: Thank you for having me. This announcement is quite alarming and underscores the ongoing tension between Iran and Israel. It serves as a reminder of Iran’s deep suspicion of foreign influences, particularly from Israel. The fact that these individuals were accused of spying in connection to the assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh adds another layer of complexity. It highlights the sensitive nature of nuclear proliferation issues in the region.
Time.news Editor: The Iranian judiciary’s spokesperson emphasized that the convicts snitched under the guise of alcohol smuggling. What do you think this indicates about the methods used in espionage cases within Iran?
Dr. Leila Rahimi: It suggests that espionage can often be disguised under everyday activities. Iran has a history of leveraging charges related to smuggling to target individuals it perceives as threats. This method allows the authorities to control narratives and bolster their internal security stance. By framing these activities as risks to national security, the regime can justify harsh penalties which act as a warning to others.
Time.news Editor: Given the regional tensions, how do you think Israel might respond to these death sentences?
Dr. Leila Rahimi: Israel is likely to be concerned about the implications for its operatives and informants in the region. Such sentences can lead to increased paranoia and a crackdown on perceived collaborators by Iranian authorities. The Israeli government may also use this situation to strengthen its narrative about Iran being a significant security threat, further justifying its military and intelligence operations in countering Iranian influence in the region.
Time.news Editor: How do such developments impact Iran’s internal politics, especially in light of the ongoing socio-political unrest within the country?
Dr. Leila Rahimi: The regime often utilizes external threats and espionage cases as a rallying point to unify the population against a common enemy. In times of unrest, this tactic can divert attention away from domestic issues and reinforce the government’s legitimacy. However, if the political situation worsens, strategies relying heavily on external scapegoats might backfire, as people may start to question the regime’s ability to ensure national security and manage internal crises.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, do you see any potential for diplomatic repercussions following this announcement?
Dr. Leila Rahimi: Absolutely. This move could further strain any chances for diplomatic engagement between Iran and Israel, as well as Iran’s relations with Western powers. If Iran is perceived as escalating its punitive measures against alleged spies, it may hinder any negotiations related to its nuclear program or other regional issues. The overarching narrative of hostilities may lead to a solidification of brigadier lines which would only exacerbate the cycle of mistrust.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahimi, for your insightful analysis on this pressing issue. As we continue to observe these developments, your expertise will be invaluable in understanding the unfolding situation in the Middle East.
Dr. Leila Rahimi: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to keep a close eye on these developments, as they will play a significant role in shaping the region’s future.