Iran imposes death penalty for ties to Israel

Iran's parliament has passed sweeping legislation imposing the death penalty for collaborating with Israel, the United States, or other countries designated as "hostile," reports Iranian media outlet Iran Wire.

The new law, approved on Tuesday (June 1), classifies intelligence sharing, espionage, or any form of operational cooperation with these nations as “corruption on Earth,” a capital offense under Iranian law.

Providing military, financial, or technological support to Israel is also defined as a capital offense.

Additionally, the law bans the use and distribution of unauthorized communication technologies, including Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. Possession, sale, or purchase of such devices is punishable by six months to two years in prison, while producing or importing more than ten units could lead to five to ten years in jail.

The legislation also lists collaboration activities including manufacturing military drones, conducting cyberattacks, or sabotaging infrastructure for enemy states as punishable by death, even if ineffective.

Publishing false news or producing content that causes "division, public fear, or threatens national security" can result in 10 to 15 years of imprisonment.

Sending images or videos to foreign media outlets that "affect public morale" carries a sentence of two to five years.

Participation in "illegal" gatherings during wartime is punishable by five to ten years in prison.