SAEDNEWS: Iran has executed Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh, described as a key operative for a Mossad-linked cyber network, following a judicial process that concluded with his hanging. The announcement comes amidst heightened regional tensions and claims of widespread foreign interference in the Islamic Republic's internal affairs.
According to Saed News, anti-Iranian cyber network operated across virtual spaces, social media platforms, and foreign messaging apps, under the direct supervision of Israeli officers. Mahdavi Shayesteh is accused of managing the network, relaying instructions from Mossad operatives, and orchestrating both virtual and even "field operations." It is alleged that after initial contact with his handler, he traveled to a neighboring country for training and coordination, operating under the guise of an immigration company. During this trip, he reportedly met with two Mossad officers multiple times and, leveraging his expertise in cyberspace and social media, was enlisted to manage psychological and media operations within Iran.
As per instructions from his alleged handler, Mahdavi Shayesteh was reportedly tasked with leading a cyber network focused on "branding and content production" against members of Iran's armed forces and establishing websites as directed by the intelligence service. He then allegedly passed on training received from his handlers, identified by the aliases "Manijeh" and "Reza," to other network members. This training reportedly covered hidden cover activities, secure behavior, secure communication in cyberspace, and anonymity techniques.
A significant aspect highlighted by the report is the alleged "close connection" between this cyber network and the Persian-language channel "Iran International," which Tehran frequently labels as a "Zionist regime-affiliated network." The fabricated content reportedly produced by Mahdavi Shayesteh's network was allegedly used as a source for Iran International's reports, implying that the channel played a "special supportive role" in attracting audiences to channels linked to the executed individual's network.
Beyond cyber activities, the Mossad-affiliated cyber network, under Mahdavi Shayesteh's management, reportedly transitioned into "field operations." He was allegedly trusted by Mossad officers to establish a network for these ground-based activities. Over his period of cooperation, Mahdavi Shayesteh is accused of undertaking crucial field missions, including photographing specific locations, delivering "threatening Mossad packages" to targeted individuals, harassing targets, and sending videos and images of these actions to his handler via secure communication. His role in this network is described as "key and central."
Iranian security agencies claim to have gained "intelligence dominance" over the alleged Mossad cyber network, dispatching "deceptive information" to the Israeli intelligence service through various channels, which ultimately revealed Mossad as the force behind the cyber operation. Following "complex intelligence and operational measures," Mohammad Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh and several other individuals allegedly linked to the service were identified and arrested. The report concludes that after legal proceedings, including the examination of evidence, confessions from the accused and his accomplices, the court found him guilty and sentenced him to death for intelligence cooperation on behalf of the "Zionist regime." The sentence was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court, leading to his execution.
