Iran and Saudi Arabia Reach Record Execution Levels

Iran and Saudi Arabia reached record execution numbers in 2025 as human rights organizations condemn the use of the death penalty.Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam of Iran Human Rights reported over 1,500 executions in Iran, while Saudi Arabia carried out a record 356 deaths amid a narcotics crackdown.Activists argue these figures contradict the modernization goals of Mohammed bin Salman and serve as tools of political suppression during economic protests.