Iran executes former MMA champion over alleged Mossad links

Iran has executed former mixed martial arts (MMA) champion and international referee Gholamreza Khani Shakarab after convicting him of espionage and cooperation with Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, according to Iranian media updates, Report informs.

The Iranian authorities accused Shakarab of collaborating with Mossad and participating in activities linked to a sabotage network. The death sentence was reportedly carried out after being upheld by the country's judicial authorities.

According to the reports, the 34-year-old had previously worked as an MMA athlete, coach and international referee. Before his arrest, he had been living in Türkiye.

Iranian security forces reportedly detained Shakarab last year while he was traveling in Iraq.