Iran executes man accused of spying for Israel

Tehran: Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a ‘mission’ on behalf of Israel's spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country's Supreme Court, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.

It described Kiani as one of the "main operatives" in a "mission assigned by Mossad" during unrest in the central Iranian province of Isfahan.

The judiciary accused him of "destruction of public and private property, arson, possession and use of Molotov cocktails, carrying a bladed weapon, blocking vehicle routes, attacking officers, and creating fear and panic among citizens".

His execution follows the hanging on Thursday of another man in Iran who was convicted of membership in a banned opposition group.

Iran has in recent weeks ramped up executions during its war with Israel and the United States that began on February 28.

Authorities say January's protests were instigated by Israel, the US and opposition groups, including the banned People's Mujahedin.

Since March 19, Iranian authorities have executed nine men on charges linked to the protests.