Man Arrested in Israel on Suspicion of Spying for Iran

Israeli authorities have arrested a Tajik-born man holding Russian citizenship on suspicion of spying for Iran and attempting to recruit operatives for the Islamic Republic. The arrest was announced on July 2 by The Times of Israel, citing a joint statement from the Israeli Police, the Shin Bet security agency, and the Ministry of Defense.

The suspect, identified as Behrouz Sobirgon, reportedly began communicating with an Iranian handler in January 2026. Investigators allege that much of his suspected activity occurred during the recent conflict between Israel and Iran. Authorities claim Sobirgon initially received a job offer that seemed legitimate but continued contact with the Iranian operative despite realizing the nature of the communication.

Israeli investigators accuse Sobirgon of documenting and transmitting the locations of Iranian missile impact sites, providing coordinates for the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv, photographing the Port of Haifa, and attempting to photograph a sensitive security facility in northern Israel. The joint statement also alleges that Sobirgon was involved in recruiting others for Iranian intelligence.

Sobirgon was arrested in June, and Israeli prosecutors intend to file an indictment, requesting he remain in custody. He is the latest in a series of individuals arrested in Israel on espionage charges for Iran. Israeli security officials have described such cases as a growing challenge, particularly during the recent conflict with Iran.