Executions in Iran have more than doubled in 2025 compared to 2024, a report shows. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group told the BBC it verified at least 1,500 executions up to early December, with more likely since. Last year, IHR confirmed 975 executions. Exact numbers remain unclear as Iran’s government does not release official data. The rise in executions is significant and matches findings from other monitoring groups. Iran defends the death penalty, saying it is for "the most severe crimes." Numbers were already increasing before large protests began in 2022. These protests followed the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman who died in custody after being arrested by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly. The 2022 protests challenged Iran’s leadership. Since then, executions grew from around 520 in 2022 to 832 in 2023. While some executed were protesters or accused spies, 99% were for murder or drug offences, a ratio that stayed stable. Activists say execution rates rise when the regime feels threatened, aiming to scare the population and stop opposition. This seems true as another surge occurred after the 12-day war with Israel in June and setbacks for Iran’s proxy forces. The increasing execution trend reflects Iran’s tense political and regional situation, keeping the government’s use of the death penalty under close watch.