Surge in Executions in Iran: 2025 Overview

In 2025, Iran witnessed a dramatic increase in executions, with estimates suggesting that at least 1,922 individuals were executed, more than double the 975 executions recorded in 2024. This surge has been attributed to a crackdown on suspected spies following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, which intensified the regime's internal repression. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that executions rose sharply from over 100 per month to more than 300 in November 2025.

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The Iranian government has historically defended its use of the death penalty, claiming it is reserved for the most severe crimes. However, human rights organizations argue that the current spike in executions reflects a broader pattern of political repression and social control. The regime's use of the death penalty has increasingly targeted individuals accused of espionage, particularly in the wake of the conflict with Israel, where many executions were justified under charges of treason or cooperation with foreign powers.

The Death Penalty under the Rule of the “Islamic Republic”YnetNews

Iran's penal code includes numerous offenses punishable by death, including drug-related crimes and political dissent. Reports indicate that legal revisions have expanded the scope of capital punishment, particularly for drug offenses, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. Critics argue that many executions are carried out without fair trials, often based on coerced confessions obtained through torture. The United Nations has condemned Iran's execution practices, emphasizing that many do not meet the international standard of being limited to the "most serious crimes."

The Death Penalty under the Rule of the “Islamic Republic”YnetNews

Human rights activists and organizations, including Iran Human Rights (IHR) and HRANA, have condemned the Iranian government's execution practices as systematic violations of human rights. They highlight that the majority of executions are not publicly announced, reflecting a lack of transparency. Critics argue that the regime's reliance on executions serves to instill fear and suppress dissent, particularly among ethnic minorities such as Kurds and Baluchis, who are disproportionately represented among those executed.

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The Iranian government has not publicly acknowledged the scale of the executions, maintaining that they are necessary for maintaining security and order. However, the lack of transparency surrounding these executions has drawn international condemnation. The UN Human Rights Council has called for an immediate halt to the death penalty in Iran, citing the need for reforms to align with international human rights standards.

The Death Penalty under the Rule of the “Islamic Republic”

There are discrepancies in the reported numbers of executions, with HRANA documenting 1,922 executions, while other sources suggest figures as high as 2,606 protests and strikes in 2025, indicating widespread unrest linked to economic conditions. The exact number of executions remains unclear, as many are conducted without official acknowledgment.

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• “The 12-day war revealed the Iranian regime’s weaknesses so the government has turned to more repression internally,” — Kamran Dalir, National Council of Resistance of Iran

The Telegraph - UK

• “Demanding Reform of Penal Laws Any reform-oriented process must include: Abolition of the death penalty Elimination of vague security-related charges Concluding Summary An examination of executions in the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2025, along with a review of historical patterns over the past 47 years of governance, demonstrates that the scale and nature of these executions cannot be understood merely as a criminal phenomenon.” — Mohammad Nahid, Human Rights Activist

The Death Penalty under the Rule of the “Islamic Republic”

The surge in executions in Iran during 2025 highlights a troubling intersection of political repression, social control, and human rights violations. As the regime continues to employ the death penalty as a tool of governance, the international community faces increasing pressure to address these violations and advocate for fundamental reforms within Iran's judicial system.

The Death Penalty under the Rule of the “Islamic Republic”