Iran executes Ali Ardastani on charges of spying for Israel

Hengaw – Wednesday, January 7, 2026 

Amid the eleventh day of protests in Iran, authorities have carried out the death sentence of Ali Ardastani, who was convicted on charges of “spying for Israel.” Iranian state media released little to no information regarding the case. 

According to information received by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Ardastani was executed in the early hours of Wednesday, January 7, 2026. 

The Mizan News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s judiciary, did not disclose details regarding Ardastani’s place of detention, date of arrest, trial process, or the location of the execution. The outlet claimed—without presenting evidence—that Ardastani had photographed and filmed “specific locations” and collected information on “sensitive targets,” which he allegedly transmitted to Israel. 

According to statistics recorded by Hengaw, including the execution of Aqil Keshavarz, at least 19 individuals have been executed in Iran on charges related to cooperation with Israel since the beginning of 2025. Of these, 17 executions have taken place following the outbreak of the 12-day Iran–Israel war.