Iran Executes Man Accused of Shooting at Security Forces During Protests

Iranian authorities have executed a man accused of carrying out armed attacks during anti-government protests that peaked in January. The executed man was described by Tehran authorities as an ‘armed leader’ during the unrest in Isfahan province. Iran’s judiciary, as reported by AFP on Monday, 25 May 2026, confirmed that Abbas Akbari was executed early that morning. This execution is the latest in a series carried out by Iran following an increase in hangings for security-related cases after the war against the United States and Israel erupted on 28 February. ‘Abbas Akbari… was hanged this morning,’ reported Mizan Online, the website managed by Iran’s judiciary. Mizan Online described Akbari as one of the ‘armed leaders’ during protests in central Isfahan province. According to the report, Akbari ‘fired at security forces on the streets’ during the protests. It also stated he was one of the ‘armed leaders of the unrest in Nain city, Isfahan province’ and was found in possession of a pistol. Additionally, Akbari was accused of attacking government buildings, security institutions, and a health centre in Nain. Iran’s judiciary stated that Akbari was sentenced to death on multiple charges, including ‘moharebeh’ (waging war against God), and deliberate destruction of public property ‘with the intent to oppose the system, disrupt public order and security, and conspire against national security’. Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence after Akbari appealed. The day before, on Sunday, 24 May, Iran executed a man convicted of espionage during the ongoing conflict. According to human rights group Amnesty International, Iran has the second-highest number of executions globally, after China.