Iran ramps up execution of political prisoners amid war with US, human rights data shows

Iran Ramps Up Execution of Political Prisoners Amid War

Iran ramps up execution of political – Human rights organizations report that Iran ramps up execution of political detainees as military tensions with the United States intensify. The Oslo-based Iran Human Rights group has documented a significant surge in death sentences, noting that Tehran views the wartime period as advantageous for eliminating internal opposition without facing substantial international backlash.

A Family’s Waiting Game

Niki Nikbakht lives in Osnabrück, northwestern Germany, where she stays connected to her relatives back home. She frequently examines photographs of her older brothers, Hadi and Fazlollah. One image shows Hadi smiling while holding his two young sons, while his five-month-old daughter has never met her father. Both brothers have been imprisoned since before Niki’s birth, each sentenced to death by the Islamic Republic.

“I keep thinking, what if it really happens? What if I never get to see my two brothers again?”

Niki fights back tears as she recalls her internal dialogue during difficult moments. She reminds herself to persevere and remain resilient, refusing to allow the situation to overwhelm her spirit. Hadi, now forty-five years old, and Fazlollah, fifty, represent only a fraction of the dozens of Iranian political prisoners currently confronting execution.

Documenting the Surge

The Iran Human Rights group, counting members both within and beyond Iran’s borders, has been tracking these cases meticulously. On Wednesday, the organization publicly condemned the recent execution of Mohammad Amini Dehaghani. He had been detained for participating in demonstrations that occurred in January and received his death penalty following what rights advocates consider an unjust judicial process.

According to their records, the Iranian government has put to death at least forty-seven political prisoners so far this year. This figure represents a dramatic escalation compared to the sixteen executions recorded during the same period last year. CNN has contacted Iranian authorities seeking official comment on these developments.

From Protests to War

When mass demonstrations erupted across Iran late last year, US President Donald Trump cautioned Tehran’s leadership against employing harsh measures against citizens. He promised American support if needed. Rather than backing down, the Iranian government intensified its response, using deadly force to quell the unrest.

Death toll figures vary considerably. The Human Rights Activists News Agency, based in the United States, has verified over six thousand protester fatalities, with another seventeen thousand cases still being investigated. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have admitted to more than three thousand deaths but attributed the majority to “rioters” involved in what they characterized as an Israeli-orchestrated conspiracy.

“While the attention of the international community was on the war, the Iranian regime saw this as an opportunity to execute political prisoners because under normal circumstances these executions lead to international condemnation and they have a high political cost,” IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam told CNN.

Diplomatic Shifts and Continued Repression

As weeks passed and the United States alongside Israel initiated comprehensive military operations against Iran, Trump encouraged citizens to “seize the moment” and reclaim their nation. He assured them that America stood with them and would provide assistance when necessary.

However, as the White House grew weary of the conflict and global economic consequences intensified, official rhetoric became more measured. Support for Iranian opposition groups gradually diminished. When Washington and Tehran finalized a fourteen-point agreement on June 17, the document contained no references to protesters, persecuted dissidents, or human rights concerns.

Human rights advocates note that Iran had already begun accelerating executions even while engaging in diplomatic talks with the United States. Each execution serves as a stark reminder that the government remains firmly in control and will not tolerate dissent.

The Brothers’ Story

Niki’s siblings were detained prior to the January protests at their residence in Golpaygan. Rights organizations state they were taken into custody on October 25, 2025, when officials attempted to confiscate their property. The brothers had been politically engaged for many years, even joining efforts to call for a national referendum regarding the Islamic Republic’s future.

In early June, they received news that their execution dates were approaching, adding urgency to Niki’s prayers and hopes for their survival amid the escalating conflict.