The United Nations has reported that Iran has carried out at least 21 executions and detained more than 4,000 people since the start of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to a statement by the UN human rights office, the executions have taken place in connection with protests, alleged opposition activities, and espionage-related accusations since the war began following US-Israeli strikes in late February.
The UN said that of those executed, nine were linked to January 2026 protests, ten were accused of belonging to opposition groups, and two were convicted on spying charges.
It also estimated that more than 4,000 individuals have been arrested on national security-related allegations since 28 February.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk condemned the situation, saying he was “appalled” by the scale of repression and called on Iranian authorities to halt executions, impose a moratorium on the death penalty, and ensure fair trials for detainees.
The report highlights growing concerns from international rights groups over Iran’s use of capital punishment and mass arrests during the ongoing regional conflict.
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