Tehran, Iran – Iran’s judiciary has announced several executions this week linked to unrest over recent months, as part of a campaign against those accused of “creating divisions” during the war with the United States.
The judiciary’s official news outlet announced the execution of Mehdi Khanaki, identified as an “active element of a terrorist group” arrested during nationwide protests in January. Security forces raided a home in Karaj near Tehran, where handguns, ammunition, and explosives were allegedly found. A revolutionary court tried him for “operational action in favor of the Zionist regime, the United States, and hostile groups.”
On Sunday, two men were executed in connection with a 16-defendant case tied to deadly protests in Isfahan on January 8. Authorities claim they played roles in killing police officers, while activists allege due process violations and torture.
The protests began on December 28 over economic issues but evolved into nationwide expressions of frustration with the establishment. Authorities frame the unrest as a “coup” by the U.S. and Israel, rejecting Amnesty International’s reports of “mass unlawful killings” during communications blackouts.
Tens of thousands were arrested post-protests, alongside asset seizures targeting Iranians—including professionals abroad—under recent security laws enacted after the June 2025 war with Israel.
State TV broadcast confessions, including from a man who claimed to have posted anti-republic Instagram content. He stated, “I made a mistake. We must stand together to build Iran.”
The Ministry of Intelligence released a list of “hostile media” and individuals, warning that sharing content with designated outlets could result in prison sentences or bans from public employment.
‘Infiltrators’
Rhetoric of “sacred unity” has intensified as Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and officials emphasize national cohesion. Chief Justice Mohseni-Ejei warned of “alarmists, rumor-spreaders, and infiltrators” disguised as insiders.
U.S. officials cite alleged factional rifts within Iran, with some seeking conflict over strategic interests like the Strait of Hormuz and others advocating negotiation. Iranian authorities have dismissed these claims.