Authorities say Sobirgon documented Iranian missile impact sites, sent the location of Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Towers, photographed the Port of Haifa, and attempted to photograph a sensitive security site.
By United with Israel Staff
A foreign national from Tajikistan who holds a Russian passport has been charged with carrying out intelligence missions on behalf of Iranian operatives inside Israel, including photographing strategic sites, documenting Iranian missile strike locations, and attempting to recruit others to work for Tehran, Israeli authorities announced Thursday.
The investigation, conducted jointly by the Defense Ministry’s National Unit for the Protection of Classified Information, the Shin Bet security service, and Israel Police, led to the arrest of Behruz Sobirgon in June on suspicion of maintaining contact with Iranian intelligence and carrying out security-related missions at its direction.
According to investigators, Sobirgon began communicating with an Iranian intelligence operative in January 2026 after initially receiving what appeared to be a legitimate job offer. Authorities said he soon realized he was dealing with an Iranian agent but chose to continue the relationship.
Officials said much of his activity took place during Operation Roaring Lion, when he allegedly sought to help Iran achieve operational successes against Israel.
Among the missions attributed to Sobirgon were photographing the impact sites of Iranian missile strikes during the conflict, transmitting the location of Tel Aviv’s Azrieli Towers, photographing the Port of Haifa, and attempting to photograph a sensitive security installation in northern Israel.
Investigators also allege that he actively assisted Iranian intelligence in recruiting additional individuals to carry out similar missions inside Israel.
On Wednesday, prosecutors filed a declaration of intent to indict Sobirgon on serious security offenses and requested that he remain in custody until the conclusion of legal proceedings. The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Tel Aviv District Attorney’s Office.
Israeli security officials warned that Iranian intelligence agencies continue to intensify efforts to recruit Israeli citizens, residents, and foreign nationals through seemingly innocent job offers and social media contacts.
“The intelligence and terror organizations of enemy states continue their efforts to recruit and activate Israeli citizens and residents for security missions, terrorism, and espionage,” the agencies said in a joint statement. “We call on the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious contact or recruitment attempt by foreign elements.”
Authorities pledged to continue identifying and disrupting Iranian espionage networks and to prosecute anyone involved “to the fullest extent of the law.”
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