We discovered superconductivity at $T_c$ = 12 K in a layered compound La$_2$IOs$_2$ with osmium honeycomb network. Despite heavy constituent elements unfavorable for phonon mediated mechanism, $T_c$ is the highest among lanthanoid iodides made of lighter elements such as La$_2$IRu$_2$ with $T_c$ = 4.8 K. Electronic anomalies are observed below 60 K similar to those observed in La$_2$IRu$_2$ below 140 K. La$_2$IOs$_2$ is a layered 5d electron system providing a platform to investigate the interplay between the electronic anomaly, superconductivity, and strong magnetic field.
Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures