The Islamic Republic of Iran is on pace to surpass its already staggering number of executions from 2025, raising fresh concerns among human rights groups and international observers. According to the Iran Human Rights Society, at least 657 people have been executed in just the first three months of this year, suggesting the regime could exceed last year’s total if the current rate continues.
Critics say the surge is not happening in isolation. They argue the government is using the backdrop of ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel to intensify its crackdown on dissent. In the wake of widespread anti-regime protests that previously shook the country, authorities appear focused on eliminating perceived opposition. Those demonstrations were met with a harsh response, with reports indicating that tens of thousands were killed by security forces and affiliated militias.
The international reaction has been sharp in some cases. In March, the execution of 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi drew condemnation, including from President Donald Trump, who criticized the regime’s actions. The case became a symbol of broader concerns about Iran’s use of capital punishment against young people and political dissidents.
A State Department spokesperson, responding to the latest reports, described the executions as further evidence of the regime’s brutality and argued that such actions reinforce the need to limit Iran’s access to advanced capabilities.
At dawn today(Tuesday31March) #BabakAlipour and #PouyaGhobadi, two members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), were executed in Qezel Hesar Prison by the religious fascism ruling Iran.
The brutal execution of these PMOI members reflects the clerical… pic.twitter.com/enAaf3zChQ— Maryam Rajavi (@Maryam_Rajavi) March 31, 2026
At the United Nations, the special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Mai Sato, has been closely tracking developments. She reported that at least six executions took place after the latest escalation in conflict, with additional cases reported at the end of March. According to Sato, those executed include protesters, individuals accused of spying for Israel, and others charged with armed rebellion. She also warned that the true scale may be higher due to an ongoing internet blackout, which has made it difficult to verify information.
Sato has argued that the death penalty is being used not just as a criminal punishment, but as a political tool. In her view, executions are being carried out in a way that suppresses dissent, particularly under wartime conditions when scrutiny is limited.
Opposition groups have echoed those concerns. The National Council of Resistance of Iran reported that several members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran were recently executed after being transferred from prison with little notice. The group is urging international intervention to prevent further executions, particularly for detainees believed to be at imminent risk.
Broader data support the alarm. The United Nations previously estimated that Iran carried out at least 1,500 executions in 2025, describing the pace as systematic and disproportionately affecting minorities and migrants. Amnesty International has also warned that several young protesters are currently at risk of execution after being moved to unknown locations.
Taken together, the reports paint a picture of a government leaning heavily on capital punishment at a moment of internal and external pressure, with limited transparency and growing concern from the international community.
