The recent conflict between Israel and Iran resulted in the targeted killings of Iranian nuclear scientists and military figures. Israel is suspected of using spies within Iran to weaken its defenses. Mossad is implicated in these operations, suggesting it has infiltrated Iran’s security apparatus. In the wake of the hostilities, Iran has executed individuals accused of spying for Israel. Among these, Rouzbeh Vadi was executed for allegedly acting as a Mossad agent. Iranian authorities have disclosed how Israel recruits agents from within Iran.
A research paper presented in 2011 by Iranian nuclear scientists Abdulhamid Minouchehr, Ahmadreza Zolfaghari Daryani, and Rouzbeh Vadi at the 18th Iranian Nuclear Energy Conference now takes on added significance. All three are now deceased: two were killed by Israel, and Vadi was executed by Iran.
On the morning of June 13th, Israel targeted Minouchehr and Zolfaghari. Rouzbeh Vadi was subsequently executed on August 5th for spying. Iranian television broadcast a video of Vadi confessing to his role, including providing information to Mossad about a nuclear facility that was targeted by Israel, as well as details on an Iranian nuclear scientist.
The Iranian judiciary indicates Rouzbeh Vadi was recruited through a virtual social network. He traveled to Vienna under the guise of training and met with Mossad officials five times. However, the judiciary’s account does not specify how long Vadi was detained. According to the Iranian Human Rights Organization, Vadi was arrested in February 2024 and remained imprisoned until his execution.