Ex-UK soldier sentenced to 14 years for espionage for Iran

A former British soldier, Daniel Khalife, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for spying for Iran. He was found guilty of espionage and terrorism charges after escaping from prison in September 2023, which led to a nationwide manhunt. Khalife, 23, gathered sensitive information over two and a half years while serving in the UK and the US. He was accused of attempting to pass details about elite special forces personnel to Iranian intelligence for money. The court highlighted Khalife's use of his Iranian heritage to gain trust and noted the significant risk his actions posed to military personnel. He had NATO security clearance and traveled to Turkey to meet with Iranian contacts.