Iran executes three men over alleged links to Israel, US during anti-government protests

Iran executes three men over alleged links to Israel, US during anti-government protests

Iran has executed three men accused of carrying out operations on behalf of Israel and the United States during anti-government protests in January, according to Iranian state media and judicial authorities.

The executions were carried out on Sunday, November 8, 2026, after Iran's Supreme Court upheld their death sentences.

The men were identified as Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh. They were accused of participating in armed attacks, setting fire to public facilities and damaging critical infrastructure during demonstrations in the city of Karaj, west of Tehran.

According to Iran's judiciary, the suspects used firearms, grenades and Molotov cocktails during the unrest. They were also accused of damaging an electricity substation, which reportedly caused power outages in some areas.

Authorities alleged that the three men carried out activities on behalf of Israel, the United States and groups described as hostile to Iran.

The judiciary said Hassan Dioband was arrested on January 11 following investigations into attacks on public property and alleged incitement to violence. Ten other individuals accused of participating in the unrest under his supervision were also arrested.

The three men were sentenced to death, while their assets were ordered to be confiscated. Other defendants involved in the case reportedly received prison sentences ranging from five to ten years.

Executions spark renewed human rights concerns

The executions are the latest in a series of death sentences carried out in Iran against individuals accused of involvement in the January anti-government protests.

The demonstrations, which began amid public anger over economic hardship and the rising cost of living, developed into widespread protests against the Iranian government.

Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused foreign powers, particularly Israel and the United States, of supporting efforts to destabilise the country.

However, international human rights organisations have raised concerns about the treatment of protesters, including allegations of torture, forced confessions and irregularities in judicial proceedings.

The latest executions are expected to intensify international scrutiny of Iran's handling of individuals arrested during the protests.

According to reports, the authorities maintain that the three men were involved in violent activities, while concerns remain over the transparency and fairness of proceedings in politically sensitive cases.