Iran hanged a man on Wednesday over alleged ties to Israeli intelligence agency Mossad as Tehran continues a series of executions during the West Asia War and after nationwide protests in January.
The Mizan news agency of Iran`s judiciary announced the execution of Mehdi Farid, who was allegedly working for the Israeli intelligence agency, news agency AP reported.
The report described Farid as working for a “sensitive state organisation” and passing information to the Israeli spy agency. It also said that Farid was convicted in Iran`s Qom province.
Human rights activists have long said that Iran convicts people in closed-door trials without allowing defendants to properly defend themselves.
There have been multiple executions of alleged spies recently, as well as protesters and those affiliated with an Iranian exiled opposition group.
Trump extends Iran ceasefire; Hormuz blockade continues
Amid the ceasefire talks between the US, Israel, and Iran, the latest development reports say that US President Donald Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran and ordered the continuation of the naval blockade, stating that Tehran must first present a “unified proposal” before any further talks can proceed.
In a statement posted on Truth Social on Tuesday (local time), Trump said the decision followed a request from Pakistan’s leadership and due to internal divisions within Iran’s government.
“Based on the fact that the Government of Iran is seriously fractured… we have been asked to hold our attack on the country of Iran until such time as their leaders and representatives can come up with a unified proposal,” the US President stated.
“I have therefore directed our military to continue the blockade… and will therefore extend the ceasefire until such time as their proposal is submitted, and discussions are concluded, one way or the other,” he added.
The announcement came just hours before the two-week ceasefire was set to expire, leaving the next round of peace talks in uncertainty.
Following the extension, US Vice-President JD Vance cancelled his planned visit to Islamabad for the second round of negotiations with Iran. A White House official confirmed that the trip would not proceed as Washington awaits clarity from Tehran.
(With inputs from AP)