Iran more than doubled its number of executions in 2025 [3], contributing to a global surge in the use of the death penalty [1].
The increase reflects a broader trend of state-led intimidation. Amnesty International said the surge is driven by political executions intended to create a climate of fear and deter dissent during a crackdown following recent conflict.
Worldwide, 2,707 people were executed in 2025 [1]. This represents a 78 percent increase over the totals recorded in 2024 [1]. This global figure is the highest recorded level of executions since 1981 [2].
Iranian security forces have targeted a wide array of individuals to maintain control. Approximately 50,000 people were arrested during protests [4]. Some of these detainees are currently facing the death penalty [4].
The Iranian government and its security apparatus have used these measures to suppress internal opposition. The report said the state is utilizing the judiciary as a tool for political stability, often targeting those perceived as threats to the regime's authority.
International observers said the timing of these executions often coincides with periods of heightened civil unrest. The scale of the 2025 increase suggests a shift toward more aggressive judicial tactics to stifle public demonstrations and political organizing.
“Iran more than doubled its number of executions in 2025”
The surge in executions indicates that the Iranian government is prioritizing absolute domestic control over international diplomatic standing. By drastically increasing the use of capital punishment, the state is attempting to break the will of protest movements through systemic terror. The fact that global totals have hit a 44-year high suggests a broader erosion of international norms regarding the abolition of the death penalty.
