Iran intensifies executions amid US-Israeli war

Escalation of Conflict and Regional Impact

The 2026 conflict between the United States and Israel intensified amid ongoing military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military assets, and regional influence networks. The war began on February 28, 2026, with a joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran’s infrastructure, prompting retaliatory strikes by Iranian forces on Israeli and American military installations in the Middle East. The conflict expanded into a broader regional crisis, with casualties reported across multiple nations. According to The Institute for National Security Studies, as of March 27, 2026, Iran documented 1,937 fatalities and 24,800 injuries, while Israel reported 19 deaths and 5,492 injuries. The United States recorded 13 fatalities and 200 injuries, with Lebanon, Iraq, Kuwait, the UAE, Palestine, Syria, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Jordan also experiencing significant losses.

“'no leniency' for those convicted of 'undermining security,' a broad term used to justify executions of political opponents”

State-Sanctioned Executions and Political Crackdowns

Iran’s judiciary accelerated its use of the death penalty during the conflict, with at least 14 executions conducted between late January and early April 2026. The first wave targeted individuals involved in the January 2026 protests, including three young men executed for alleged roles in the unrest. Saleh Mohammadi, an 18-year-old wrestler, was hanged on March 19, 2026, for moharebeh (waging war against God), following accusations of involvement in the killing of two police officers during the protests. Human rights groups criticized the expedited trial and due process deficiencies. Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish national, was executed on March 18, 2026, for espionage charges linked to alleged collaboration with Israel, prompting condemnation from Sweden officials over the lack of judicial review.

Additional executions occurred on March 30, 31, and April 4, 2026, targeting participants in the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement and Kurdish opposition groups. Akbar Daneshvarkar and Mohammad Taghavi Sangdehi were executed on March 30, while Babak Alipour and Pouya Ghobadi were hanged on March 31. On April 4, Abolhassan Montazer, Vahid Bani-Amerian, Ali Fahim, and Hossein Ghavi (who died from torture in IRGC custody) were executed. These actions followed Iran’s claims of retaliating against U.S. bases, though Statista data noted that Iranian strikes also targeted residential areas, including hotels, airports, and homes, raising concerns about civilian casualties. The regime’s response to the January 2026 protests included violent crackdowns, with conflicting casualty figures: Iran reported 3,117 deaths, while HRANA documented 7,007 deaths.

Legal Framework and International Criticism

The Iranian Judiciary’s reliance on the death penalty has long faced criticism for lacking transparency and due process. During the 2026 conflict, the regime’s legal framework enabled rapid prosecutions of dissenters, often without sufficient evidence. The Iranian Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHIR) reported that dozens of protesters, including minors, were sentenced to death prior to the war. Iranian jurist Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje’i called for ‘no leniency’ for those convicted of ‘undermining security,’ a broad term used to justify executions of political opponents. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, condemned these practices as violations of international law, citing the UN’s 1989 Convention Against Torture and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“the regime has shown wholly indifference to international pressure”

Regional Implications and Escalation

The use of capital punishment during wartime further intensified scrutiny of Iran’s legal compliance. The UN General Assembly passed 72 resolutions, and the Human Rights Council issued 17 motions urging Iran to halt executions, but the regime has shown wholly indifference to international pressure, according to Amnesty International’s Raha Bahreini. The execution of Kouroush Keyvani occurred despite Sweden’s repeated calls for a moratorium on the death penalty for foreign nationals. The Iranian government’s refusal to engage with international legal mechanisms has limited the effectiveness of sanctions and diplomatic pressure, leaving advocates to seek more targeted measures to hold Iran accountable.

Iran’s executions during the 2026 conflict reflect a longstanding pattern of repression that has characterized its domestic policies. Legal scholar Afrooz Maghzi noted that this approach mirrors tactics used during the 1980s, when the government intensified crackdowns on political opponents following the Iran-Iraq War. By framing executions as necessary for national security, the regime has justified its actions while suppressing dissent. The broader implications of this strategy extend beyond Iran, contributing to regional instability as neighboring states view its actions as a threat to sovereignty and security. The targeting of Kurdish and opposition groups has also fueled internal tensions, potentially deepening divisions within Iran. As the conflict continues, the regime’s reliance on repression may further erode its legitimacy, both domestically and internationally. However, the government has shown no signs of altering its approach, instead escalating its use of executions to assert control over a population increasingly disillusioned with its leadership.