Iran warns of death penalty, asset seizures for spying, aiding enemies

More than 1,000 people have faced arrest for alleged cooperation with enemies

A member of a police force stands guard on a street, amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Mar 23, 2026. Photo: Reuters

People accused of spying or cooperating with "hostile states" could face the death penalty and confiscation of all assets under a recently enhanced law, an Iranian judiciary spokesperson said, a month into the war with the United States and Israel.

Even sharing photos or videos that could aid enemy targeting may be treated as intelligence cooperation, the spokesman added.

Iranian media have reported more than 1,000 arrests over the course of the month, related to individuals accused of filming sensitive locations, sharing anti-government content online, or "cooperating with the enemy".

The US and Israel attacked Iran on Feb 28, since when the conflict has spread across the region, killing thousands, disrupting energy supplies and hitting the global economy.

The judiciary spokesman said the legislation, passed last year, applies to operational, intelligence and certain media activities deemed to support hostile governments, notably the United States and Israel.

He warned those creating “fear” through misinformation could face prison terms, with penalties increased in wartime.

He added that authorities have issued around 200 indictments in such cases and were working with security bodies to identify and seize assets linked to suspects, stressing that there would be no leniency in enforcing the law.