Iran executes two exiled opposition members for terror attacks

In Iran, on July 27, 2025, the execution of two members of the exiled opposition group Mujahedeen-e-Khalq marks a significant act in a long-standing conflict between the Iranian government and the group. Behrouz Ehsani Eslamlou and Mehdi Hasani were convicted of carrying out attacks on public and civilian infrastructure using improvised weaponry. Eslamlou, with a history of affiliation with the group since the 1980s, was arrested after attempting to infiltrate Iran from Turkey, carrying a cache of weapons, ammunition, and tools meant to disguise his identity. The Iranian judiciary indicated that the men had plotted serious attacks against the state, including training operations for unauthorized groups within Iran. Authorities claim Eslamlou received directives from group leaders based in Albania to form underground cells and target both government and civilian sectors. The actions of these individuals allegedly aimed at destabilizing national security and vandalizing public property, drawing attention to the impending threats the Iranian state faces from opposition elements. The Mujahedeen-e-Khalq, originally formed as a Marxist-Islamist entity against the previous monarchy, has faced intense scrutiny for its past, including its support for Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War and its history of violence against the Iranian government, including bombings and assassinations in the 1980s. Following a particularly bloody period, the group has been largely based in Albania but continues to claim operations within Iran. The persistent threat of such groups is of considerable concern for Iranian authorities, prompting swift legal action against those perceived to challenge state security. The last execution of members from the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq prior to these events occurred in 2009, emphasizing the lengthy gap and the seriousness with which the Iranian regime treats any perceived acts of terrorism. The Iranian courts held that the actions of Eslamlou and Hasani justified their severe punishment and showcased the government's resolve to eliminate threats to public order.