MEK reports that Iran executed 2,013 people between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, 2025, more than double the U.N.'s 2024 tally. The dissident group blames economic collapse, mass protests, factional power struggles and renewed sanctions for the spike. U.S. and European officials condemned the reported campaign and urged tougher measures, while civil society figures highlighted individual cases they call examples of sham trials and political repression.
Dissidents Say Iran Executed 2,013 People in 2025 as International Pressure Grows
Iran killing spree continues as regime sets new record for 2025 executions, dissident group says
A report from the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) alleges that Iranian authorities executed 2,013 people between Jan. 1 and Dec. 15, 2025, under President Masoud Pezeshkian. The MEK says that total more than doubles the 975 executions the U.N. Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights recorded in 2024 and represents the highest annual toll since the 1980s.
What the MEK Report Alleges
According to internal MEK documents shared with journalists, the surge in executions reflects a mix of economic collapse and intense political pressure inside Iran: a free-falling rial, nationwide protests, factional power struggles within the ruling elite, a "snapback" of U.N. sanctions and visible fractures among leaders. The MEK also reported that executions have roughly doubled since October 2025.
Pezeshkian accused the U.S. of a "grave betrayal" at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 24, 2025, in New York City.
International Reaction
The U.S. State Department condemned the reported campaign of executions as "use of execution as a tool of political repression," accusing Iranian authorities of relying on torture, forced confessions and sham trials. Officials noted U.S. measures since January, including sanctions and the designation of more than 180 vessels believed to be part of Iran's shadow fleet.
On Dec. 10 — International Human Rights Day — the European Parliament urged stronger global action, with some members calling for conditioning ties on a halt to executions and for designating elements of Iran’s security services as terrorists. Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, warned lawmakers that Iran is attempting to crush dissent and urged punitive measures.
A view of the entrance of Evin prison in Tehran, Iran Oct. 17, 2022.
Expert Analysis
Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Iran Program, told reporters that Western governments have lagged behind in practical measures and sanctions. Taleblu highlighted mass arrests after the short June conflict — saying Iran detained more than 21,000 people following the 12-Day War — and argued that limited concessions on social issues are tactical moves to maintain elite control amid leadership uncertainty.
"The regime uses executions and sham trials to intimidate and suppress dissent," said a State Department spokesperson. "We strongly condemn these abuses and will continue to pursue measures to deprive the regime of resources used for repression."
Notable Cases And Civil Society Response
The MEK highlighted individual cases it said exemplify judicial abuse. One cited case is Zahra Tabari, a 67-year-old engineer and mother who, the group says, was sentenced to death after a 10-minute trial without the legal representation she chose; she was reportedly arrested for holding a banner that read, "Woman, Resistance, Freedom." Civil society figures and international activists — including sports figures who spoke out against the death sentence of boxer Javad Sani — have added pressure and visibility to the issue.
Nooses with red roses are displayed during the Anglo-Iranian community rally to support the Iranian people's push for a new revolution. Members of the Anglo-Iranian community, along with supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), commemorated the 45th anniversary of the revolution in Iran that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime and eventually let to a theocratic Islamic republic in 1979.
Background And Wider Context
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights warned in late 2024 that Iran was carrying out an "unprecedented execution spree," estimating up to nine executions a day at that time, which prompted hunger strikes by death-row prisoners. The MEK and other dissident groups argue that expanded use of the death penalty is part of a broader campaign to crush dissent.
Government Response
Iran's mission to the United Nations did not provide a comment on the MEK report when contacted. The MEK calls on international policymakers to recognize the Iranian people’s right to resist and to consider stronger diplomatic and economic measures against Tehran.
Note: Figures and allegations in this article are attributed to the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) and public statements from international officials and have not been independently verified by this publication.
