Agence France-Presse, citing an annual report by two human rights organizations, said Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025—a figure the groups say is the highest since 1989.
This compares with 975 executions reported in 2024.
A joint report by the Iran Human Rights organization and “Together Against the Death Penalty” stated: “If the Islamic republic survives the current crisis, there is a serious risk that executions will be used even more extensively as a tool of oppression and repression.”
The Iran Human Rights organization said Iranian state media do not report many executions and added that it requires at least two sources to confirm each case.
The joint report said hundreds of detained protesters remain at risk of death sentences and executions.
Human rights groups said that during the protests in January in Iran, “thousands” were killed and “tens of thousands” were arrested.
Iran Human Rights and “Together Against the Death Penalty” said nearly half of the executions in 2025 were related to drug offenses.
