Executions Surge in Iran as NGOs Warn of Rising Death Penalty Use

Iranian authorities executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, marking a sharp increase and raising fears of even more ings amid tensions involving the United States and Israel, according to a joint report by Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty.

The report revealed a 68 percent rise from the 975 executions recorded in 2024, with at least 48 women among those put to death. The groups described the figure as an absolute minimum, noting that many executions go unreported in official Iranian media and require independent verification.

According to the findings, the number represents the highest level since monitoring began in 2008 and the most reported since the early years following the Islamic Revolution. The NGOs warned that if the current political crisis persists, executions could be increasingly used as a tool of repression.

Raphael Chenuil-Hazan urged global powers to prioritize abolition of the death penalty in any negotiations with Tehran. He emphasized that human rights concerns must remain central despite ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Similarly, Mahmood Amiry Moghaddam criticized recent diplomatic efforts for failing to address the rights of Iranian citizens. He called for an immediate moratorium on executions and the release of political prisoners.

The report also highlighted the continued risk facing hundreds of detained protesters following the January 2026 demonstrations. Many individuals have been charged with capital offenses, with at least 26 already sentenced to death and hundreds more potentially facing similar outcomes.

Executions extended to individuals linked to opposition groups such as the People’s Mujahedin of Iran, as well as a dual Iranian Swedish citizen accused of espionage.

Women were significantly impacted, with executions reaching a two decade high. Many cases involved domestic incidents, including the ing of spouses or partners.

While most executions occurred in prisons, public ings more than tripled during the year. Nearly half of all executions were tied to drug related offenses.

Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, continue to rank Iran among the world’s top executioners, second only to China in total numbers, though actual figures may be higher due to limited transparency.