Iran executes two men linked to anti-government protests

Iran has executed two men connected to nationwide anti-government protests that swept the country earlier this year, state media reports.

Erfan Esfandiari and Gol-Mohammad Mohammadi were put to death on 19 July in the central city of Isfahan, according to the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency.

The two men were accused of filming a murder scene and transmitting the footage to overseas television channels. Mohammadi was reported to be an Afghan national. Details regarding their ages and exact dates of arrest were not disclosed.

They were among 12 protesters whose death sentences were upheld by Iran's Supreme Court last week. Rights groups say several of those remaining on death row are teenagers.

Human rights organisation Amnesty International said at least 44 politically motivated executions have been carried out in Iran since 28 February.

Tehran has described the period following recent US and Israeli air strikes as "war conditions".

The executions follow widespread unrest that began in late December 2025 over the rising cost of living. The demonstrations rapidly evolved into broad anti-government protests, reaching a peak on 8 and 9 January before being suppressed by security forces.

Iranian authorities claimed more than 3,000 people died during the unrest as a result of "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the US and Israel. However, overseas human rights groups said security forces opened fire directly on demonstrators.

Following threats of military action from US President Donald Trump, US and Israeli forces launched air strikes on 28 February, sparking a conflict in the Middle East that remains ongoing.

Iran ranks second globally after China in the number of executions carried out each year, according to Amnesty International. Rights group Iran Human Rights said at least 1,639 people were executed in the country in 2025.