The Islamic Republic of Iran has reportedly increased its executions of dissidents and activists, with the actual number of victims potentially obscured by internet censorship. Following the January uprisings against the regime, Tehran has intensified its crackdown on opponents. The Iran Human Rights Society has documented 784 executions in 2026, with a representative indicating a significant rise since March and noting that the execution of political prisoners has reached levels not seen in 37 years.
A State Department official acknowledged reports of the surge in executions, condemning the Iranian regime’s actions against individuals exercising their basic human rights. The official highlighted the long history of torture and unfair trials leading to executions in Iran.
According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), at least 18 prisoners were executed between May 31 and June 1, including 12 on May 31 and six on June 1, with one execution described as particularly brutal. The NCRI reported a total of 32 executions from March 19 to June 1, which included members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOE/MEK) and participants in the January protests.
Documents from the NCRI indicated an imminent risk of execution for five political prisoners in Sheiban Prison, with four charged as members of PMOI/MEK. Maryam Rajavi, President-elect of the NCRI, called for urgent action from the U.N. to prevent further executions.
Despite internet restrictions, the Iran Human Rights Society continues to receive reports from various sources, asserting that the actual number of executions is likely higher than documented due to the secretive nature of many executions. The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran did not respond to requests for comment on the situation.
