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Iran has executed two men convicted of attempting to raid a military facility in Tehran, according to reports from the Mizan news outlet, the official media arm of Iran’s judiciary. Mohammad Amin Biglari, 19, and Shahin Vahedparast Kolor, 30, were hanged on April 5, human rights organizations confirmed.
The executions came amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States, with President Donald Trump threatening military strikes against Iranian infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened.
According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, Biglari, a computer science student, and Kolor were among several individuals arrested on January 8 during a government crackdown on protesters in Tehran. They faced serious charges including “enmity against God (moharebeh), corruption on earth, arson of public facilities, and assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.”
The executions appear to be part of a broader pattern. Another individual arrested on the same day, 18-year-old Amirhossein Hatami, was executed on April 2, according to Iran Human Rights, which cited the Mizan News Agency. A fourth detainee, Ali Fahim, 23, was reportedly executed on April 6.
Human rights advocates have condemned the killings as politically motivated. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Director of Iran Human Rights, characterized the executions as part of “the Islamic Republic’s strategy of survival, waging war against its own people under the shadow of external conflict.”
“The international community must respond with urgency. The situation of prisoners and the regime’s systematic use of the death penalty as a political tool of repression must be made a central condition in any negotiations or engagement with the Islamic Republic,” Amiry-Moghaddam added.
The executions come at a time of heightened military tension between Iran, the United States, and Israel. President Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran on Sunday via his Truth Social platform, demanding that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage for global oil shipments that has been disrupted during the ongoing conflict.
“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump wrote, suggesting impending strikes on Iranian infrastructure. “There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F—in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH!”
The Strait of Hormuz is strategically vital to global energy markets, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. Any prolonged closure would have significant implications for global energy prices and supply chains.
Iran’s domestic crackdown on dissent has intensified in recent years, with authorities frequently employing capital punishment against protesters and political opponents. Human rights organizations have documented a significant increase in executions since nationwide protests erupted in late 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody.
The Islamic Republic has consistently defended its use of the death penalty, maintaining that executions are carried out according to Iranian law and only after thorough judicial proceedings. However, international observers have questioned the fairness of trials, particularly in cases involving political charges.
As military tensions escalate in the region, concerns are growing about the potential for a broader conflict that could further destabilize the Middle East and impact global energy markets. The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic channels apparently taking a backseat to military threats and counterthreats.
Human rights groups continue to call for international pressure on Iran to end executions of political prisoners and to ensure fair judicial processes for those detained during protests.
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5 Comments
This is a very troubling report. Iran’s execution of teenagers and other individuals for political crimes is a blatant violation of human rights. The international community must strongly condemn these actions and demand accountability from the Iranian government.
It’s appalling to see Iran resorting to such brutal and inhumane tactics, even against young people. This highlights the urgent need for greater global scrutiny and pressure on Iran to respect the rule of law and protect the rights of its citizens.
This is a disturbing pattern of Iran targeting and executing its own citizens, including minors, for exercising their basic rights. The international community must take a firm stand against these flagrant human rights abuses and demand Iran change course immediately.
While the details of these cases are murky, executing teenagers is an unconscionable act that violates international human rights standards. Iran needs to provide transparent due process and stop using capital punishment to silence political opposition.
I’m deeply concerned by Iran’s apparent crackdown on dissent, using the death penalty as a tool of political repression. Executing teenagers is a particularly egregious violation that the world cannot ignore. Iran must be held accountable for these heinous crimes.