The number of state-sanctioned executions worldwide reached a 44-year high in 2025, according to a new report from Amnesty International. The increase represents the highest level of documented executions since 1981.

The United States contributed to the global rise, with executions nearly doubling compared to the previous year. The increase follows broader international trends showing expanded use of capital punishment in several countries.

Iran has been a significant contributor to the global surge, particularly following escalation of regional conflict. The United Nations has verified the execution of at least 32 political prisoners in Iran since late February, when military actions involving the United States and Israel occurred.

The executions in Iran have included individuals imprisoned for political reasons, representing what human rights organizations describe as an acceleration of capital punishment for non-violent offenses. The timing of these executions has drawn international attention due to their correlation with regional military tensions.

Amnesty International's annual report tracks executions globally, though the organization notes that some countries do not publicly report execution statistics. The 2025 figures exclude countries like China, where execution data is considered a state secret.

Human rights organizations have expressed concern about the global trend, particularly the use of capital punishment for political offenses and the overall increase in execution rates across multiple countries.