Iran has carried out the execution of two men convicted of involvement with what authorities described as a “terrorist” organisation accused of threatening national security. The executions were confirmed through reports published on Thursday by the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim and later cited by international broadcaster Al Jazeera.
According to the reports, the two individuals were found guilty of forming a group allegedly intended to undermine the country’s security and of maintaining links with an organisation designated by Iranian authorities as terrorist in nature. Iranian prosecutors also accused them of participating in armed rebellion, opening fire during operations, and attempting to carry out killings in pursuit of the group’s objectives.
The executions come amid continuing security tensions inside Iran, where authorities have intensified crackdowns on groups accused of separatist activity, armed militancy, or collaboration with foreign-backed organisations. Iranian officials frequently justify such measures as necessary to preserve state stability and public safety.
Although Iranian authorities did not immediately disclose further details about the identities of the executed men or the precise timeline of their prosecution, the case reflects the country’s broader reliance on capital punishment in national security-related cases. Human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised Iran over the use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving political dissent or security allegations.
Allegations Against the Convicted Men
| Allegation | Description |
|---|---|
| Forming a group against national security | Accused of organising activities aimed at destabilising the state |
| Membership of a “terrorist” organisation | Allegedly linked to a banned armed group |
| Armed rebellion | Charged with involvement in militant activities |
| Opening fire | Accused of carrying out shootings during operations |
| Attempted killings | Allegedly sought to assassinate individuals in support of the group’s goals |
Iran remains among the countries with the highest number of executions annually. The Iranian judiciary maintains that capital punishment is applied under the country’s laws for serious offences, including terrorism, armed insurgency, murder, and drug trafficking. However, international rights groups, including Amnesty International, have consistently raised concerns about judicial transparency, access to legal representation, and the fairness of trials involving security-related charges.
In recent years, Iran has faced both domestic unrest and regional security pressures, prompting authorities to adopt stricter measures against groups accused of threatening the Islamic Republic’s political and security structure. Officials often describe such organisations as operating with foreign support, an allegation frequently denied by opposition movements and activists.
The latest executions are expected to renew debate over Iran’s use of capital punishment and its handling of cases linked to national security and political violence.