Iran sees record executions amid stalled US negotiations

Amnesty International reported that Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions in 2025, the highest number in more than four decades and accounting for the majority of the 2,707 documented worldwide. The organization warned that the regime is using the death penalty as a tool of political repression, noting that “the main drivers behind the spike” are the Iranian authorities.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were “in the final stages” but cautioned that a failure to reach a deal could lead to “some things that are a little bit nasty,” hinting at possible renewed attacks. Tehran responded by accusing the United States of planning new strikes and threatened retaliation beyond the Middle East. The diplomatic talks, mediated through Pakistan, have so far produced no breakthrough on issues such as the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets.