Adversary Intelligence — 2026-04-04
Iran Executions Surge to 657 in Three Months as MOIS Uses War to Intensify Crackdown on Opposition
Iran executed 657 people in the first three months of 2026, on pace to surpass last year's record. Four members of the opposition PMOI/MEK were executed between March 30-31 after prolonged detention. More than 1,500 have been arrested since the war began on February 28, with the NCRI warning the executions signal deeper instability and could presage a mass execution event similar to
Analysis
The execution rate of 657 in three months puts 2026 on pace to far surpass 2025's record. The targeting of MEK members specifically, rather than common criminals, indicates MOIS is using the war to systematically eliminate organized opposition infrastructure, not just deter dissent.
The execution rate of 657 in three months puts 2026 on pace to far surpass 2025's record. The targeting of MEK members specifically, rather than common criminals, indicates MOIS is using the war to systematically eliminate organized opposition infrastructure, not just deter dissent.