Iran to Hang 3 Ukrainians Attempting to Sabotage UAV Plant under Mossad's Guidance

Iran has sentenced three Ukrainian nationals to death after accusing them of plotting a terrorist attack on a drone manufacturing plant in Isfahan, allegedly under the guidance of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.

According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the individuals were arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iranian intelligence services while attempting to infiltrate the Shahed Aviation Industry facility. The plant is known for producing Shahed-136/Geran-2 loitering munitions, their jet-powered variant Shahed-238, and the Arash series UAVs.

The detainees, described as Ukrainian intelligence officers, were reportedly caught south of Tehran with communications devices, explosives, and detailed diagrams of the UAV facility. Iranian officials claim the group had been under surveillance for several weeks prior to the arrest.

“They were planning to carry out a terrorist attack with explosives targeting our strategic drone production capabilities,” an IRGC member told Tasnim.

The Iranian Supreme Court later handed down the death penalty by hanging. The execution is expected to be carried out within two weeks, though no official date has been announced.

Iran also reiterated earlier accusations against Ukraine, referencing claims made in December 2024 that Kyiv had supplied drones to armed groups in Syria. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated such actions violate international norms and obligations concerning counterterrorism.

Tehran alleges the attempted sabotage operation demonstrates active cooperation between Ukraine’s military intelligence (GUR) and the Israeli Mossad, particularly in operations aimed at strategic Russian and Iranian defense assets.

As of now, Ukrainian authorities have not issued a public response to the arrests or the death sentence.