Iranian authorities alleged that Shakourzadeh, 29, had been recruited into a major scientific organisation active in the satellite sector because of his technical expertise.

However, officials did not identify the institution or present evidence publicly to substantiate the espionage allegations, according to a report by Iran International, citing Mizan News Agency.

Authorities accused the aerospace engineer of transferring classified information to what they described as “enemy intelligence services.”

Shakourzadeh held a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and was a graduate of Iran University of Science and Technology.

He was reportedly arrested in 2025 by the intelligence arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on charges of espionage and cooperation with hostile countries.

According to Iran Human Rights, a letter attributed to Shakourzadeh had previously been circulated by human rights media outlets, in which he claimed he had endured “eight and a half months of torture and solitary confinement” to force a confession.

The letter stated: “I am Erfan Shakourzadeh, 29 years old, one of the few so-called elites who chose not to emigrate. A few months before the 12-day war, I was arrested by the IRGC Intelligence Organisation on baseless charges of espionage and collaboration with hostile countries. During eight and a half months of torture and solitary confinement, I was forced into making false confessions. Do not let another innocent life be lost in silence and without public awareness.”

Following the launch of military attacks by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28, 2026, executions in Iran were briefly suspended, according to Iran Human Rights.

However, executions resumed on March 18. Since then, at least 24 political prisoners have reportedly been executed, including 14 protesters, 10 individuals allegedly linked to banned opposition groups, five accused of espionage, and 19 convicted of murder and drug-related offences.

Shakourzadeh is the fifth person to be executed on espionage-related charges since the outbreak of the conflict.

Others executed on similar charges include Kourosh Keyvani on March 18, Mehdi Farid on April 22, and both Yaghoub Karimpour and Naser Bakerzadeh on May 2, 2026.