Kabul [Afghanistan], July 28 (ANI): Human rights organizations have voiced serious concern over the increasing number of executions of Afghan migrants in Iran, warning of widespread injustice and the absence of fair trials, Khaama Press reported.
According to Iranian human rights groups, at least 85 prisoners have been executed in Iranian prisons in the month following the Israel–Iran ceasefire. The Hengaw Human Rights Organization reported that six of those executed were Afghan citizens, although their identities and charges have not been disclosed.
Among the remaining executed individuals were 15 Lur prisoners, 12 Turks, 12 Kurds, and six Baluch. Additionally, six people were executed on charges of “spying for Israel,” though it is unclear whether any of them were Afghan nationals.
Hengaw and other rights groups have noted a sharp increase in executions of Afghan nationals in Iran in recent years. In the first six months of 2025 alone, at least 40 Afghan citizens were executed, compared to 73 in the year 2024, according to Khaama Press.
Iran’s widespread use of the death penalty, including against Afghan migrants, has drawn harsh criticism from international human rights advocates. These groups continue to label Tehran as one of the world’s top enforcers of capital punishment.
While many of the executions are reportedly linked to drug trafficking or political charges, rights monitors remain alarmed by opaque judicial proceedings. Trials often lack transparency and essential legal safeguards, raising significant concerns about due process for vulnerable populations—particularly Afghan migrants.
Amid these developments, Iran’s Foreign Ministry responded to speculation regarding a potential visit to Kabul by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The ministry stated that Pezeshkian’s recent remarks expressing willingness to travel to Afghanistan were a personal gesture and not part of any official diplomatic agenda.
Speaking at a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei clarified, “There are no official plans for President Masoud Pezeshkian to visit Afghanistan at this time.” He added that the president’s comment was “a personal expression of goodwill,” rather than a reflection of an official visit.
The clarification followed Pezeshkian’s Sunday remarks to Foreign Ministry officials, where he stated he was “ready to travel to Kabul” to open a new chapter in bilateral relations. The Iranian Embassy in Kabul had shared the statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, prompting speculation that Tehran may be considering more formal engagement with the Taliban-led administration.
According to Khaama Press, Baghaei addressed those speculations by stating, “Tehran has not made any decision on the matter yet,” regarding the potential recognition of the Taliban government. He acknowledged Russia’s recent move to recognize the Taliban regime but emphasized that Iran had not taken a similar step.
Diplomatic observers cited by Khaama Press interpret the Foreign Ministry’s statement as indicative of Iran’s cautious approach, seeking to balance outreach to Afghanistan with regional dynamics and broader international expectations.
Analysts noted that any future visit by Pezeshkian—if officially confirmed—would carry significant diplomatic implications, potentially affecting Afghanistan’s international standing and Iran’s strategic position in the region.
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