The United Nations has raised fresh concerns over Iran’s human rights record, revealing that at least 40 people, including 18 protesters, have been executed on national security-related charges since the beginning of 2026.
Addressing the UN Human Rights Council on Monday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over what he described as growing repression in Iran, saying he felt deeply for citizens “caught between war and cruel repression.”
According to Turk, Iranian authorities have intensified crackdowns on dissent following the deadly suppression of nationwide protests that erupted in late December over worsening economic conditions. The demonstrations later evolved into broader anti-government rallies.
The UN rights chief said thousands of people had been arrested since the protests, while restrictions on civil liberties and civic space had become increasingly severe. He accused authorities of escalating repression after the violent crackdown in January.
Iranian officials have maintained that the protests were backed by foreign powers, including the United States and Israel, and described the unrest as riots. Authorities said about 3,000 people died during the violence, though international rights groups have reported higher casualty figures and accused security forces of using excessive force against demonstrators.
Turk’s remarks came amid ongoing regional tensions following a conflict that began in February after attacks involving the United States and Israel. He noted that the conflict had caused significant human rights consequences across the Middle East and beyond.
He, however, welcomed the announcement that the United States and Iran had agreed to a peace deal, urging all parties to implement the agreement swiftly and in good faith while exercising maximum restraint.
Iran remains one of the world’s leading users of capital punishment. International rights organisations consistently rank the country among the highest globally in the number of executions carried out annually.
The latest UN warning adds to growing international scrutiny of Iran’s handling of political dissent, civil liberties, and the use of the death penalty amid continuing domestic and regional challenges.