Iranian authorities have announced the execution of two men convicted of offenses linked to the anti-government protests that swept the country in late 2025.
The two men, Abolfazl Sepahi and Amir-Hossein Safari, were publicly executed after being found guilty of participating in major demonstrations that took place in December 2025 and January 2026, according to Iran’s judiciary.
The judiciary’s official news outlet, Mizan Online, said the executions were carried out on Monday morning following the final approval of their death sentences.
Among the charges brought against the two men was moharebeh, a legal term in Iran derived from Arabic that translates to “waging war against God.” Under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, the offense is used to prosecute individuals accused of taking up arms, spreading fear among the public, disrupting public order, or engaging in activities considered a threat to the Islamic Republic. Conviction on this charge can carry the death penalty.
Iranian authorities stated that Sepahi and Safari were convicted of moharebeh for allegedly using weapons and endangering national security during the unrest. They were also found guilty of acting against national security, with prosecutors claiming their actions significantly disrupted public order.
The wave of protests began in late December 2025 over rising living costs but quickly evolved into a broader anti-government movement. The demonstrations reached their peak on January 8 and 9, 2026, with thousands taking to the streets across the country.
The Iranian government has claimed that more than 3,000 people died during the unrest, alleging that the violence was fueled by terrorist activities orchestrated by the United States and Israel.
However, international human rights organizations and Iranian opposition groups have disputed the government’s account, arguing that a significant number of deaths resulted from the authorities’ crackdown on protesters.
The executions come as Iran continues to increase the use of capital punishment following heightened tensions and conflict with the United States. Reports indicate that many of those executed in recent months have been individuals accused of involvement in anti-government protests, drawing renewed international concern over the country’s human rights record.