Iran Executes 'Mossad Agent' in Sistan-Baluchistan

A handout picture provided by the Iranian Army office on December 10, 2023, shows Iranian army officials inspecting Iranian homemade Karrar drones displayed next to a banner reading in Persian "Death to Israel" during an inauguration ceremony in Tehran. (Photo by Handout / Iranian Army office / AFP)
A handout picture provided by the Iranian Army office on December 10, 2023, shows Iranian army officials inspecting Iranian homemade Karrar drones displayed next to a banner reading in Persian "Death to Israel" during an inauguration ceremony in Tehran. (Photo by Handout / Iranian Army office / AFP)
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Iran Executes 'Mossad Agent' in Sistan-Baluchistan

A handout picture provided by the Iranian Army office on December 10, 2023, shows Iranian army officials inspecting Iranian homemade Karrar drones displayed next to a banner reading in Persian "Death to Israel" during an inauguration ceremony in Tehran. (Photo by Handout / Iranian Army office / AFP)
A handout picture provided by the Iranian Army office on December 10, 2023, shows Iranian army officials inspecting Iranian homemade Karrar drones displayed next to a banner reading in Persian "Death to Israel" during an inauguration ceremony in Tehran. (Photo by Handout / Iranian Army office / AFP)

Iran on Saturday executed a man who was sentenced to death after being convicted of working with Israel's intelligence services, the judiciary said.

"The death sentence was carried out this morning against a spy of the Zionist regime in Zahedan prison" in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan, the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

According to AFP, it did not identify the man but said he had been convicted of "intelligence cooperation and espionage for the benefit for the hostile Zionist regime (Israel)".

He was also found guilty of "collecting and providing classified information to the Mossad spy service with the aim of disrupting public order", Mizan added.

It was not immediately clear when or where the man was arrested or put on trial.

Iran has previously announced the arrests of alleged agents working for foreign countries, including Israel, its regional arch-foe.

In December 2022, Iran hanged four people who had been convicted of collaborating with Israel's intelligence services.

Tehran accuses Israel of carrying out a wave of sabotage attacks and assassinations targeting its nuclear program.

The United States and Israel accuse Iran of using drones and missiles to attack US forces and Israel-linked ships in the Gulf.

According to human rights groups, including Amnesty International, Iran executes more people per year than any other nation except China.



Trump Inauguration to Be Moved Indoors Due to Cold

A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)
A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)
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Trump Inauguration to Be Moved Indoors Due to Cold

A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)
A US Capitol Police officer walks with a K-9 dog in the seating area of the platform stage on the West Front of the US Capitol building, where the presidential inauguration traditionally takes place, on January 17, 2025, in Washington, DC. (AFP)

Donald Trump said Friday that his inauguration as US president on Monday will be moved indoors due to expected freezing weather.

"There is an Arctic blast sweeping the Country," Trump wrote on his app Truth Social. "Therefore, I have ordered the Inauguration Address, in addition to prayers and other speeches, to be delivered in the United States Capitol Rotunda."

The dramatic change of plan means Trump will not stand on the Capitol steps overlooking the National Mall, which traditionally hosts a large crowd to welcome in new presidents.

The last time a president took the oath of office indoors was Ronald Reagan in 1985, who also moved the ceremony into the Capitol's ornate Rotunda due to dangerously cold weather.

Washington is forecast to be well below freezing on Monday, with the wind adding to the cold.

In his post, Trump said that "various Dignitaries and Guests" will attend the events inside the Capitol, including prayers, Trump's inaugural address, and singing of the anthem.

However, the Republican, who has built a political brand around his staging of large rallies, said supporters could watch the event on a live feed in Washington's Capital One sports arena -- and that he would go there after.

Trump, 78, said the ceremonies in the Rotunda "will be a very beautiful experience for all, and especially for the large TV audience!"

"We will open Capital One Arena on Monday for LIVE viewing of this Historic event, and to host the Presidential Parade. I will join the crowd at Capital One, after my Swearing In."