Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch (HRW) expressed strong condemnation on Wednesday against Iran's severe crackdown on civilians, following escalated tensions with Israel. Both organizations highlighted that the Iranian government has been exploiting the pretext of national security to suppress civilians and minority groups excessively.

Sara Hashash, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, criticized the Iranian authorities for intensifying their oppressive tactics, which include extensive surveillance, mass arrests, and promoting discrimination and violence against minorities. The rights groups are advocating for criminal accountability regarding these unlawful detentions and executions.

Local reports indicate a troubling surge in arrests since June 13, with over 20,000 people detained by Iranian authorities. The head of the Judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Eje’i, issued a stern warning that individuals alleged to have cooperated with Israel could face the death penalty. This year alone, Iran has executed 612 individuals, doubling the figures from previous years, which has raised significant alarms among human rights organizations globally.

A proposed bill, which is currently awaiting approval from the Guardian Council, could further endanger lives by classifying espionage on behalf of 'hostile governments' as 'corruption on earth,' a charge that carries the death penalty. This move has drawn severe criticism, especially as Iran continues to disregard international human rights norms by not signing the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which aims to abolish the death penalty.

The situation for minorities in Iran has become particularly dire. Michael Page, Deputy Director at HRW for the MENA region, pointed out that since the onset of the conflict with Israel, human rights conditions have worsened, with Iranian authorities wrongfully blaming and targeting dissidents and minorities. Reports confirm that at least 330 Kurds have been arrested following the Israeli attacks, and other religious minorities like the Baha’i, Christians, and Jews are also under increased threat.

The animosity between Iran and Israel reached a boiling point on June 13, 2025, when Israeli forces targeted Iranian nuclear and military sites. Despite a ceasefire agreement being reached on June 24, the repercussions of the conflict continue to affect civilian lives and infringe upon basic human rights, as international law violations have been reported by various rights groups.

As the global community watches closely, the urgent calls for de-escalation and respect for human rights from international bodies underscore the critical nature of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Iran. The world remains hopeful for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and dignity of all individuals, especially those caught in the crossfire of political conflicts.