Tehran. Just a day after a US-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon between Israel and Iran, Iran has executed three men accused of spying for Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, according to the country’s judiciary-linked Mizan news agency.
The executed men were convicted of collaborating with Mossad and smuggling equipment used in the assassination of an unnamed personality. While no further details were shared, the swift executions underscore the lingering tensions despite the truce.
In addition, as many as 700 individuals have reportedly been arrested across Iran for alleged links with Israel, according to Nournews, a state-affiliated outlet often seen as close to Iran’s security establishment.
Shadow War, Open Conflict
Iran and Israel have long been engaged in a shadow war of cyberattacks, assassinations, and intelligence operations. However, the recent 12-day open conflict marked one of the most dangerous escalations in decades.
The ceasefire, which was negotiated after the United States launched airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan — was described as a hard-earned truce. But its implementation got off to a shaky start as both Tehran and Tel Aviv accused each other of violating the ceasefire terms.
Trump’s Intervention and Truce Assurance
Reacting to the escalating tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump, who played a key role in securing the ceasefire, expressed his frustration over the initial violations. He later sought to reassure the global community that the situation was under control.
“Israel is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly ‘plane wave’ to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the ceasefire is in effect,” the 79-year-old president wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Nuclear Accusations at the Core
The latest hostilities began when Israel claimed that Iran was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon — an accusation Iran strongly denies. The executions and arrests appear to reflect Tehran’s renewed focus on internal security and espionage prevention in the wake of the military escalation and international pressure.
Observers warn that despite the ceasefire, tensions remain high, and incidents like these could further strain the already fragile truce.
