Iranian authorities have carried out more than 4,000 arrests linked to the conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a report published by the US-based human rights organization HRANA.
The report states that at least 4,023 arrests were recorded between February 28 and May 9, a period coinciding with the escalation of US–Israeli strikes against Iran. Those detained are accused of crimes such as espionage, threats to national security, and the dissemination of conflict-related material in foreign media.
HRANA says Iranian authorities are “exploiting the war to justify arrests, restrictions on freedom of expression, and violence against civilians.”
Meanwhile, Iranian police chief Ahmad Reza Radan stated that more than 6,500 people described as “traitors and spies” have been arrested since anti-government protests in January, linking the measures to activities deemed hostile to the state.
Reports also highlight a rise in death sentences. Human rights organizations say that since the beginning of the conflict, 26 men labeled as “political prisoners” have been executed, including individuals connected to the 2022 and 2024 protests and banned opposition groups.
According to Iranian state media, six people were hanged for spying for Israel during the same period.
HRANA also reports thousands of casualties from US–Israeli strikes, including over 1,700 civilians, while tensions in the country remain high amid escalating military activity and strict security measures.
