In 2025, Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions, the highest number since 1981.

Omissions

• The 'highest since 1981' qualification reflects Amnesty International's own recorded figures; it is not an absolute historical total, since some executions are never officially confirmed or reported.
• The 2,159 figure is a minimum ('at least' / '2,159+'), as the true number of executions in Iran is believed to be higher than officially recorded.
• Amnesty's report was published in May 2026, after the reference period (2025) but before the session date of 2026-10-07, so the MEP could have known it.

Sources

• PrimaryAmnesty International — Death penalty in 2025: Facts and figuresIran (2,159+) executions recorded in 2025; '2,159 executions, the highest figure recorded in Iran by Amnesty International since 1981.'
• PrimaryAmnesty International — Death Sentences and Executions 2025 (report PDF)In 2025, Amnesty International recorded the highest number of executions carried out globally since 1981... The known total of 2,159 executions carried out in [Iran].
• SecondaryIran International — Amnesty says Iran drove global surge in executions in 2025Iranian authorities carried out at least 2,159 executions in 2025, more than double the figure recorded the previous year and by far the largest.
• SecondaryFrance 24 — 'Staggering' Iran toll drives up global executions to 40-year highThe number of worldwide executions jumped to their highest level since 1981 in 2025, pushed in part by a 'staggering' increase in Iran's use of the death penalty.