[Today’s Prayer] Rule Through Fear by Executions… 8 Out of Every 10 Confirmed Executions Worldwide Were in Iran

A report by an international human rights organization revealed that the number of confirmed executions worldwide last year reached 2,707, the highest in 44 years. Even excluding countries like China that do not disclose statistics, Iran alone accounted for 2,159 executions — about 80% of the global total.

Germany’s Deutsche Welle (DW) reported on the 17th (local time), citing Amnesty International’s annual death penalty report, that at least 2,707 people were executed worldwide in 2025.

This marks a 78% increase compared to 2024 and is the highest level recorded since Amnesty International began tracking such statistics, second only to 3,191 executions in 1981.

However, this figure does not include China. Amnesty International believes that thousands of executions are carried out annually in China, but because the Chinese government does not release official statistics, the numbers were excluded from the overall total. The organization also confirmed that executions took place in North Korea and Vietnam, but stated there was insufficient reliable information to estimate minimum figures.

The sharp increase in executions was led by Iran. In Iran alone, at least 2,159 people were executed last year — more than double the previous year’s number and the highest level seen in decades.

Amnesty International criticized the Iranian authorities for “weaponizing” the death penalty.

According to the organization, the government uses unfair trials to sentence people to death, punishes those seen as challenging the regime, and employs executions to instill fear throughout society.

(omitted)

Countries where executions were confirmed last year included China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, the United States, Egypt, Somalia, Kuwait, Singapore, Afghanistan, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, South Sudan, Taiwan, Iraq, North Korea, and Vietnam. Methods of execution included beheading, hanging, lethal injection, shooting, and nitrogen gas suffocation.

A total of 2,334 new death sentences were issued last year, and as of the end of 2025, 25,508 people remained imprisoned under death sentences. Amnesty International criticized governments for using the death penalty as a symbol of harsh law enforcement and severe punishment in order to display power and gain political advantage.

At the same time, the movement toward abolishing the death penalty continues. As of the end of 2025, 113 countries had completely abolished the death penalty for all crimes. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated, “The way to protect society is not through executions, but through strong institutions and accountability.”

Source: Naver News

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”— 2 Peter 1:10–11

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we hear the news that the number of confirmed executions worldwide last year reached the highest level in 44 years, and that in Iran alone, around 2,200 people — nearly 80% of the total — were executed.

Please have mercy on the people of Iran, where those considered to have challenged the regime continue to be executed through unfair trials, and where many live in fear.

May the oppressive rule that uses the death penalty to spread fear and display power come to an end, and may the hope of the Kingdom of God cover this nation.

Strengthen the Iranian church as they resist every ideology and authority that opposes Jesus and persecutes the church, helping them to stand firm in faith and rejoice in obtaining the eternal Kingdom.

Through the Iranian church, may the global church also join in this path, becoming one as the body of Christ that suffers together and triumphs together.

Even in the face of suffering and persecution, may the Iranian church and the global church firmly hold onto their calling and election until the end, so that they may richly enter the eternal Kingdom.

Iranian church, arise with the spirituality of martyrdom! Fulfill your spiritual leadership in awakening the global church!