'This may be the last time you hear my voice': Political executions surge in Iran since start of war

Since the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February, the UN says it’s verified the execution of at least 32 political prisoners.

Iranian authorities have reported executing 30 individuals on political grounds since the onset of the conflict with the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026. Among those executed was Mohammad Abbasi, sentenced to death after participating in mass protests in January 2026.

The UN Human Rights Office has reported that Iran executed at least 21 individuals and detained over 4,000 since the beginning of the conflict with the U.S. and Israel on February 28, 2026. The executions include nine linked to January protests and ten for alleged membership in opposition groups.

In 2025, Iran executed 2,159 people, accounting for 80% of global executions, marking a record high. This surge is linked to intensified repression following U.S. and Israeli attacks in June 2025. Many executions were carried out without minimum legal guarantees, often for drug-related offenses affecting impoverished ethnic minorities.