Iran: Over 1,500 Executions in 2025, a 35-Year High, Says NGO

More than 1,500 people were executed in Iran in 2025, according to the NGO Iran Human Rights (IHR). The organization reports that this is the highest number of executions recorded in the last 35 years.

According to IHR, over 700 of those executed had been convicted of drug-related offenses. Human rights organizations accuse the Islamic Republic of increasing executions following the 2022-2023 protests and the war with Israel in June.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of IHR, stated that the Iranian authorities are using the death penalty as a means of terror to deter protests.

Iran is also experiencing protests against high prices, with reports of at least three deaths in clashes.