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Iran executes aerospace student over alleged satellite espionage

Supported

Claim checked

“Iran executed Erfan Shakourzadeh, a 29-year-old aerospace engineering master's student at Iran University of Science and Technology who worked on satellite projects. He was convicted of espionage for the CIA and Mossad, accused of sharing classified satellite data, employee information, and receiving cryptocurrency payments after contacts via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Google calls.”

Published

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Verdict

Supported

Reports from Iranian state-affiliated media and international news agencies confirm that Iran executed Erfan Shakourzadeh on May 11, 2026.

Shakourzadeh, a 29-year-old master's student in aerospace engineering at the Iran University of Science and Technology, was convicted of espionage for the CIA and Mossad. He was accused of sharing classified satellite data and employee information in exchange for cryptocurrency and promises of a U.S. visa.

Reasoning

The claim is supported by multiple reports from May 11, 2026, including the judiciary-affiliated Mizan News Agency, Xinhua, and WANA News.

According to these sources, Shakourzadeh was a high-achieving student who specialized in satellite technology. The Iranian judiciary alleged he established contact with foreign intelligence through online forms and social media platforms like LinkedIn and WhatsApp.

Evidence from the Iran Human Rights Society (en.iranhrs.org) indicates that Shakourzadeh had been held in solitary confinement for approximately nine months following his arrest in early 2025. In a note smuggled from prison, Shakourzadeh claimed his confessions were obtained under torture. Despite these pleas and warnings from human rights activists, his death sentence was upheld by the Supreme Court, and he was transferred to Qezelhesar Prison for execution.

Source quality: The execution is confirmed by both Iranian state-affiliated media (Mizan) and international news outlets (Xinhua, WANA). Human rights organizations also provided detailed background on the prisoner's detention and the legal process.

Key checks

  • Execution of Erfan Shakourzadeh: Multiple sources, including Xinhua and WANA News, confirmed on May 11, 2026, that the Iranian judiciary carried out the execution of Erfan Shakourzadeh.

  • Identity and Academic Background: Shakourzadeh was a 29-year-old master's student in aerospace engineering at the Iran University of Science and Technology, specializing in satellite technology.

  • Espionage Allegations: The Iranian judiciary accused him of sharing classified satellite data and employee lists with the CIA and Mossad via LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and Google platforms in exchange for cryptocurrency.

Confidence

High

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