Iran Executes Three Men Convicted of Links to US and Israel, State Media Reports

Iran executed three men on Sunday after they were convicted of carrying out operations for Israel and the United States and participating in armed unrest during anti-government protests in January, state media reported. The executions are the latest in a series Iran has carried out in recent months over the January protests, including of people accused of links to Israel and the US.

Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh were accused of using firearms, grenades and Molotov cocktails, setting fire to public facilities and damaging an electricity substation in the city of Karaj, causing power outages in some areas, according to the judiciary. The judiciary said Dioband was arrested on January 11 after investigations identified him as a suspect in attacks on public property and incitement to violence.

Ten others accused of participating in the unrest under his supervision were subsequently arrested. The three were sentenced to death and ordered to have their assets confiscated. Their executions were carried out after the Supreme Court upheld their sentences, while the other defendants received prison terms of 5 to 10 years.

The executions come amid heightened tensions between Iran and the West over human rights and Iran's nuclear program. International human rights groups have criticized Iran's use of the death penalty for protest-related charges, but Iranian officials maintain that the executions are a necessary response to violence and sabotage.

The January protests were sparked by economic hardship and quickly spread across the country, marking one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian government in recent years. Authorities have blamed foreign adversaries for instigating the unrest, while protesters have demanded political change and improved living conditions.

The latest executions are likely to draw further condemnation from Western governments and human rights organizations, which have accused Iran of using harsh punishments to suppress dissent. Iran has repeatedly rejected such criticism, saying its judiciary acts independently and in accordance with Islamic law.