Recent reports indicate a significant surge in executions within Iran, particularly targeting political prisoners, dissidents, and activists. Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28th, the UN has verified at least 32 political prisoner executions, marking a sharp increase compared to 45 such executions in the entirety of 2025. Amnesty International notes that 2,159 executions occurred in Iran last year, the highest since 1981, predominantly for drug-related offenses or murder. However, the current trend shows a weaponization of the death penalty to suppress dissent, instil fear, and project authority.
The State Department has condemned this accelerated campaign, and organizations like the Iran Human Rights Society have documented 784 executions so far in 2026, with a rapidly accelerating trend since March. The actual number is likely higher due to internet censorship and secret executions. Between May 31st and June 1st alone, at least 18 prisoners were reportedly hanged, including one publicly. This includes members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOE/MEK) and participants in the January 2026 protests.
Human rights groups such as IHR and Hengaw report that since the war began in March, some three dozen men have been executed on charges related to protests, membership in banned opposition groups, or espionage. This includes 15 individuals linked to the 2026 protests and 13 for affiliations with banned groups like the PMOI. Nine men have been executed on espionage charges, with Mojtaba Kian's execution on May 24th being the first for charges linked to the current war. Amnesty International estimates at least 78 protesters and dissidents are currently on death row and at risk of execution.
