Iranian authorities have executed three men accused of collaborating with Israel and the United States during the anti-government protests that swept across the country in January 2026.
The executions of Hassan Divband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh were carried out on Sunday, November 8, following the confirmation of their death sentences by Iran’s Supreme Court, according to the judiciary’s official news outlet, Mizan Online.
The three men were convicted of participating in what Iranian authorities described as operational activities on behalf of Israel, the United States and other hostile groups during the widespread unrest.
According to the judiciary, the defendants were involved in armed attacks and acts of sabotage in Karaj, a city located west of the Iranian capital, Tehran.
Authorities alleged that they used firearms, grenades, knives and Molotov cocktails, while also setting fire to public facilities and damaging critical infrastructure, including an electricity substation that reportedly caused power disruptions in parts of the city.
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Iranian officials further alleged that Divband played a leading role in coordinating the activities, with ten other individuals subsequently arrested over their alleged involvement in the operation.
While the three men received death sentences, the other defendants in the case were reportedly handed prison terms ranging from five to ten years. The judiciary also ordered the confiscation of assets belonging to the executed men.
Protests That Shook Iran
The executions are connected to a wave of anti-government demonstrations that initially erupted in December 2025 over worsening economic conditions and the rising cost of living.
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The protests quickly spread across several parts of the country, developing into widespread demonstrations against the Iranian government. The unrest reached a peak on January 8 and 9, 2026.
Iranian authorities reported that more than 3,000 people died during the violence, blaming what they described as terrorist activities orchestrated by the United States and Israel.
However, international human rights organizations and foreign-based monitoring groups have disputed the government’s account, reporting higher casualty figures and accusing Iranian security forces of using deadly force against protesters.
Rising Executions Amid Middle East Conflict
The latest executions come amid growing concerns over the increasing use of capital punishment in Iran, particularly in cases involving national security allegations, espionage and participation in anti-government demonstrations.
The situation has become more tense since the outbreak of the Middle East war in late February 2026, following military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Since the conflict began, Iranian authorities have intensified arrests and prosecutions involving individuals accused of collaborating with foreign governments or engaging in activities considered threats to national security.
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The execution of Divband, Kazemi and Zanganeh adds to a growing number of death sentences carried out in connection with the January protests, further drawing international attention to Iran’s handling of dissent and its use of capital punishment.
The latest developments are expected to intensify scrutiny from human rights organizations and the international community over the treatment of political detainees and individuals accused of security-related offences in Iran.
