The number of executions in Iran in 2025 is estimated to have more than doubled compared to the number that took place across the country in 2024.
Norwegian-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group told the BBC it had verified at least 1,500 executions up until the start of December 2025, adding that many more have taken place since.
Last year, IHR verified 975 executions, although the exact number is never completely clear as Iranian authorities do not provide official figures.
However, the spike reflects a significant annual rise, corroborated by other monitoring organizations.
Iran's government has often defended its use of the death penalty, claiming it applies only to the 'most severe crimes.'
Execution figures were already increasing prior to mass demonstrations that erupted in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman.
Amini was detained by the morality police in Tehran for allegedly wearing her hijab 'improperly', leading to widespread protests that posed a significant challenge to the legitimacy of Iran's theocratic leadership.
In retaliation, authorities escalated the rate of executions from around 520 in 2022 to 832 the following year, according to IHR's verified figures.
Of the executions reported, 99% were for murder or drug offenses, maintaining a consistent pattern despite some instances involving protesters or alleged spies.
Activists argue the escalation in executions is a tactic used by the Iranian regime to quash dissent and instill fear among the populace, particularly in times of heightened internal or external pressure.
This is further evidenced by the recent surge in executions following a 12-day conflict with Israel in June, in addition to setbacks faced by Iranian proxy forces in the region.
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