WANA (Sep 27) – Iran’s judiciary has announced the preliminary verdict in the case of a four-member espionage network allegedly linked to Israel’s Mossad and the opposition group known as the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). According to the ruling by the Revolutionary Court in the city of Karaj — the capital of Alborz Province, located just west of Tehran — two defendants were sentenced to death and prison, while two others received prison terms totaling more than 26 years.

 

Hossein Fazeli Herikandi, head of the Alborz Judiciary, said the network consisted of two men from Karaj and a married couple from Isfahan. The group allegedly established contact with Mossad and MEK operatives through online platforms and trips to a neighboring western country. They reportedly received training in secure communications, mapping, locating sensitive sites, and constructing explosive projectiles. Some of their activities included setting fire to military and public facilities, recording the operations on video, and receiving payments in cryptocurrency.

 

According to Herikandi, the network was tasked in May with preparing an attack on a military facility in Tehran. Security forces arrested two members before the operation could be carried out, seizing ten ready-to-launch explosive projectiles. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of two additional suspects, and raids on residences in Karaj, Isfahan, and a safe house in Tehran uncovered further explosives and equipment.

 

The charges against the defendants included “enmity against God” (moharebeh), collaboration with hostile groups, conspiracy against national security, membership in a criminal organization, and anti-state propaganda.

 

Judicial authorities emphasized that the verdicts are preliminary and subject to appeal before Iran’s Supreme Court.