Human rights groups state that the Iranian government is exploiting the conflict with the U.S. to accelerate executions. Since the start of 2026, the number of executions is nearly three times higher than during the same period last year.
CNN reported on 15 Jul 2026 that Iran Human Rights (IHR), an NGO based in Oslo with members inside and outside Iran, believes the Iranian government is using the conflict as a cover to hasten executions.
Since the beginning of this year, the Iranian government has executed at least 47 political prisoners, a significant increase compared to 16 executions during the same period last year.
In late 2025, Iran faced nationwide anti-government protests. Then U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran's leaders against violent suppression of protesters, stating that America would "come to the aid of the protesters."
However, as Trump and the White House grew weary of the U.S.-Iran conflict amid escalating global economic fallout, their rhetoric softened and support for Iranian dissidents gradually diminished.
During these protests, the Iranian government severely cracked down on demonstrators. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), based in the U.S., confirmed over 6,000 protester deaths and is investigating more than 17,000 additional fatalities.
Meanwhile, the Iranian government acknowledged more than 3,000 deaths but largely blamed "rioters," whom it claims are part of a plan orchestrated by Israel.
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Source:cnn