Iran’s judiciary has formally identified a detained dual citizen, arrested during recent hostilities with Israel, as holding Swedish nationality. Judicial spokesman Asghar Jahangir disclosed through the Mizan Online news agency that the individual obtained Swedish citizenship in 2020 and had been residing there prior to their arrest.
The defendant stands accused of conducting espionage operations for Israel’s Mossad intelligence service during the 12-day conflict that erupted in June. According to judicial authorities, the suspect was allegedly recruited by Israeli intelligence in 2023 and participated in training sessions across six European capitals before entering Iran approximately one month preceding the outbreak of hostilities.
Investigators reported discovering electronic surveillance equipment in the defendant’s possession upon arrest near Karaj, a provincial area adjacent to Tehran. Judicial officials state the individual has provided confessions regarding espionage activities, with a verdict expected imminently.
This case emerges amid heightened tensions following Iran’s implementation of stricter espionage penalties in October, mandating capital punishment and asset confiscation for those convicted of spying for Israel or the United States. Since the June conflict, Iranian authorities have executed at least nine individuals convicted on similar charges, reflecting Tehran’s intensified crackdown on alleged foreign intelligence operations.
The arrest occurs against the backdrop of complex diplomatic relations between Iran and Sweden, particularly following a June 2024 prisoner exchange that secured the release of two Swedish citizens in return for former Iranian official Hamid Noury.