Iran carried out at least 1,639 executions in 2025, marking a sharp rise in the use of capital punishment, according to a joint report released on Monday by two human rights organisations.
The report, published by Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty, revealed a 68 per cent increase from the 975 executions recorded in 2024. Among those executed were 48 women.
The organizations warned that executions could increase further amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. They urged Western governments to prioritise the abolition of the death penalty in any future negotiations with Tehran.
According to the report, the 2025 figures represent the highest number of executions since monitoring began in 2008 and the most recorded since the early years following Iran’s 1979 revolution.
Executive Director of ECPM, Raphael Chenuil-Hazan, called for stronger international pressure. The death penalty must be at the heart of any agreement with Iran,” he said at a press conference in Paris.
Similarly, IHR Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam criticised recent diplomatic efforts, noting that human rights concerns were largely absent from discussions.
He said a moratorium on executions and the release of political prisoners should be top priorities in negotiations.
The report also highlighted the risk faced by hundreds of detainees following protests in January 2026. Many protesters were arrested during a violent crackdown that rights groups say resulted in thousands of deaths and mass detentions.
At least 26 individuals linked to the protests have already been sentenced to death, while several hundred others face charges that could carry capital punishment.
Despite the ongoing conflict, executions continued. Authorities reportedly carried out multiple hangings related to protest activities, opposition group affiliations, and alleged espionage.
Women and Public Executions Increase
The number of women executed rose significantly to 48 — the highest in over two decades representing a 55 per cent increase from 2024.
More than 20 of these cases involved women convicted of killing their spouses or partners.
The report also noted a rise in public executions, which tripled to 11 cases in 2025, although most executions were conducted within prison facilities.
Nearly half of all executions were linked to drug-related offences.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have consistently ranked Iran among the countries with the highest number of executions globally.
While China’s figures remain undisclosed, the report suggests Iran may now rival or even surpass it as the world’s leading executioner.
Researchers also indicated that the actual number of executions in 2025 could be significantly higher, citing over 500 additional unverified cases. Data collection was further complicated by internet shutdowns during the protests and ongoing conflict.
