FACT-CHECK: Was Sheikh Emami al-Hadi Arrested in Iran for Being a Mossad Spy?
Claim: A viral post circulating on social media platforms, including X, alleges that Sheikh Emami al-Hadi, a religious figure in Iran, was arrested and revealed to be a Mossad spy named “Simon Dirafi” or “Sham’un the Jew.”
The posts claim that for 15 years, he led prayers in Qom and Tehran, issued fatwas, and operated a YouTube channel with thousands of followers, all while secretly working for Israeli intelligence. The claims describe him as having infiltrated “the heart of the Shiite authority” and the “sanctuary of Imam Hussein.”
The viral posts have sparked widespread shock and debate on social media, with users expressing disbelief and concern over the alleged infiltration of a high-profile religious figure. Many have questioned the authenticity of the claims, while others have used the story to highlight perceived vulnerabilities in Iran’s religious and security establishments.
The claims emerged amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, with Iranian authorities reporting multiple arrests and executions of alleged Mossad agents since June 2025, following Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites. These actions have been part of a broader crackdown on suspected espionage, with Iran’s judiciary and security forces intensifying efforts to counter foreign intelligence operations.
Verification: PRNigeria’s fact-check team conducted a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of the claims regarding Sheikh Emami al-Hadi’s arrest and alleged Mossad affiliation.
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The claims originated from posts on X, with multiple users sharing similar text and images between July 9 and July 11, 2025. These posts consistently referenced a figure named “Sheikh Emami al-Hadi” and claimed his real identity was “Simon Dirafi” or “Sham’un the Jew,” an alleged Mossad officer. However, no credible mainstream media outlets or official Iranian government sources, such as Fars News Agency, or, Tasnim News Agency, have reported on the arrest of an individual named Sheikh Emami al-Hadi or Simon Dirafi.
Similarly, PRNigeria fact-check team’s comprehensive search of recent news reports on arrests of alleged Mossad agents in Iran revealed details of several cases,however, none of these reports mention an individual named Sheikh Emami al-Hadi or a cleric with a similar profile.
PRNigeria analyzed the images accompanying the X posts, which purportedly showed Sheikh Emami al-Hadi. The images lacked verifiable metadata linking them to any specific event or location. AI-based image analysis tools detected potential signs of digital manipulation, such as inconsistent lighting and unnatural facial features, suggesting the possibility of fabricated or altered visuals. The absence of the alleged YouTube channel or any verifiable online presence for Sheikh Emami al-Hadi further raises doubts about the claims.
PRNigeria investigation revealed no official statements or records to corroborate the arrest of a cleric named Sheikh Emami al-Hadi or an individual named Simon Dirafi.
The narrative of a Mossad agent posing as a Shiite cleric aligns with Iran’s heightened rhetoric about Israeli infiltration following recent conflicts. However, the lack of specific details, such as the date or location of the alleged arrest, and the reliance on unverified social media posts suggest a possible disinformation campaign.
The use of terms like “Zionist entity” and “Holy of Holies” in the posts mirrors inflammatory language often used to amplify anti-Israel sentiment, further casting doubt on their credibility.
Conclusion: PRNigeria’s fact-check investigation finds no credible evidence to support the claim that a certain Sheikh Emami al-Hadi, allegedly a Mossad spy named Simon Dirafi or Sham’un the Jew, was arrested in Iran. The absence of corroborating reports from Iranian authorities, combined with signs of digital manipulation and the lack of verifiable details, indicates that the claim is likely a fabrication or part of a disinformation effort.
Verdict: PRNigeria concludes that the claim that Sheikh Emami al-Hadi was arrested in Iran for being a Mossad spy is False.
By PRNigeria
