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Iran: Record Executions in 2025 with Over 1,500 Death Row Inmates

Published January 1, 2026, 20:10
Iran: Record Executions in 2025 with Over 1,500 Death Row Inmates

At least 1,500 death row inmates were executed in Iran in 2025, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR), marking the highest annual number of executions in the last 35 years. This unprecedented increase is linked to the 2022-2023 protests and the recent war with Israel. Over 700 of those executed were convicted of drug-related offenses. Human rights organizations accuse the Islamic Republic of using the death penalty as a means of terror to prevent further protests, while Iran is currently experiencing new demonstrations due to the high cost of living, with three deaths reported so far.