In brief
In a concerning trend, Iran executed 1,639 individuals in 2025, a figure that reflects a 68% increase from the previous year, according to reports from the Iran Human Rights NGO and Together Against the Death Penalty. The majority of those executed were convicted of drug-related offenses, with a stark warning that the Iranian government may intensify its use of the death penalty in light of ongoing protests. Observers note that the executions also disproportionately affect ethnic minorities and vulnerable populations within the country.
Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, the highest number recorded there since 1989, according to two non-governmental organisations. The total represents an increase of 68% compared to 2024, when 975 executions were recorded, according to a report by Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (EPCM).
Most of those hanged were convicted of drug-related offences or murder. However, at least 57 were convicted on security-related charges, including two protesters.
The NGOs warn that Iranian authorities could use executions even more extensively this year in the wake of January's protests and the war against the US and Israel. Since the start of the conflict on 28 February, seven people have been executed in connection with the protests. Six individuals affiliated with the opposition group Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK) and one accused of spying for Israel have also faced execution.
Iran remains the world's second-most prolific executioner, following China. In 2025, the country saw an unprecedented average of four executions per day, with the majority involving individuals convicted of drug-related crimes. Notably, 795 of the executions involved drug offenses—marking a 58% increase since 2024—and 747 were for murder, an increase of 79%.
The number of women executed reached at least 48, the highest in over 20 years, and those from ethnic minorities were disproportionately represented. Furthermore, over half of these executions occurred under the jurisdiction of Revolutionary Courts, often after unfair trials without due process.
The situation remains dire, with ongoing protests and a crackdown leading to continued human rights violations. The ECPM's executive director has stated that the death penalty should be central to any negotiations involving Iran, highlighting the need for a moratorium on executions and the release of political prisoners.
