Iran has intensified executions of political prisoners even as airstrikes from United States and Israel battered the country — a campaign rights groups say is designed to crush dissent during wartime.

At least 14 people have been executed since the conflict erupted in late February, according to human rights monitors. The hangings include alleged spies, protest participants and individuals accused of links to banned opposition groups.

For critics of the Islamic Republic, the timing is no coincidence.

Executions Surge as War Unfolds

Among those executed was Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish citizen accused of spying for Israel.

He was hanged on March 18, just two days before Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Authorities said he had photographed sensitive sites during the previous year’s brief war between Iran and Israel.

The following day, three young men were executed over their role in mass protests in January — the first hangings directly tied to the demonstrations.

Protesters, Teenagers and Opposition Members

The executions did not stop with the holiday.

On Sizdah Bedar, the final day of the New Year festivities, authorities hanged an 18-year-old protest detainee. Several others have been executed on charges of rebellion linked to the banned People’s Mujahedin of Iran opposition movement.

Human rights experts warn the numbers could climb rapidly in the coming weeks.

Dozens More Prisoners Face Death

According to Amnesty International, at least two dozen political prisoners are currently at risk of execution.

Iran researcher Raha Bahreini says many were arrested during recent protests or during the Woman, Life, Freedom movement that shook the country.

Some face charges such as “enmity against God” or “corruption on earth” — accusations frequently used against political opponents.

War Provides Cover for Crackdown

Legal scholar Afrooz Maghzi says the surge follows a familiar pattern.

During moments of external conflict, she argues, the Iranian government uses executions to project strength and silence dissent. Authorities may also use rhetoric from leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu to portray protesters as foreign-backed insurgents.

The result is a chilling message to the population: criticism during wartime will be treated as treason.

Pressure Mounts — But Impact Remains Limited

Iran is already among the world’s most prolific executioners after China, according to rights groups.

Figures from Iran Human Rights suggest at least 1,500 people were executed last year alone.

Despite decades of UN resolutions condemning abuses, activists say Tehran has largely ignored international pressure — leaving prisoners facing the gallows while the world’s attention remains fixed on the battlefield.

Iran doubles down on executions amid US-Israeli war

Just like the gestapo in nazi germany

One thing you can say posititve about the American fascist Trump regime. Bad as they are, stupid as they were starting a war of choice with Iran which they LOST to Iran, at least they're not as bad as the Iranian regime.