Iran Judiciary Threatens to Seize Assets of 'Enemies' Abroad — Death Penalty for Intelligence Work for Israel or US

Iran's judiciary published a statement on its Mizan news agency reiterating its authority to order the assets of 'enemies' abroad seized inside Iran. The statement warned that 'any intelligence or espionage activity conducted abroad for the Israeli or US governments could lead to the confiscation of all assets and even the death penalty.' The statement is directed at the Iranian diaspora, dual nationals, and journalists covering the war from outside Iran — many of whom have family members and property inside the country that could be seized. Reporters for Farsi-language media abroad have historically had their Iranian assets seized as a form of intimidation and punishment. Under wartime conditions, this legal tool takes on heightened significance: Iran's security apparatus is conducting an active campaign against real and suspected collaborators with Israeli and US intelligence. The death penalty threat for intelligence work for Israel or the US — while not new as a legal matter — takes on a different character when Israel has just killed the supreme leader and when Iranian IRGC commanders are being systematically assassinated. The warning may also be aimed at Iranians inside the country who might be tempted to cooperate with foreign intelligence services amid the regime's military difficulties.