The U.S. State Department has condemned the significant increase in executions of women in Iran, highlighting the sentence against Zahra Shahbaz Tabari as a prominent example of the "egregious and systematic human rights violations" perpetrated by the Islamic Republic. This statement comes amid claims from Washington that the number of women executed in Iran has reached its highest level in 25 years, making Iran an outlier globally.

In a recent message posted in Persian on the U.S. State Department's official page, reports indicate that at least 61 women were executed in Iran in 2025, representing an approximately 70% increase compared to the previous year. The message emphasizes that while executions of women are "rare" or "almost nonexistent" in many countries, Iran has recorded double-digit numbers, placing it significantly apart from others. The State Department referred to Zahra Shahbaz Tabari as one of those awaiting execution, and her situation is highlighted as evidence of the rising number of women facing such fates.

The executions were described as "barbaric," with calls for their immediate cessation, respect for fair trial processes, and the release of all political prisoners in Iran. The U.S. reaffirmed its support for human rights and the dignity of women, standing with the Iranian people and the global community.

Internationally, pressure is mounting on the Islamic Republic to halt the execution of Zahra Shahbaz Tabari. Over 400 prominent women, including four Nobel laureates and several recognized political figures, have signed a letter demanding her immediate release, warning that her life is in imminent danger.

The letter states that Tabari was sentenced to death after a trial lasting only about 10 minutes, conducted remotely via videoconference without the presence of her appointed attorney. This process is cited by signatories as a serious violation of fair trial principles. It highlights that Zahra Shahbaz Tabari is in danger of execution solely for holding a placard with the slogan "Women, Life, Freedom."

Meanwhile, Iranian state media have not publicly addressed her case or the issuance of her death sentence. According to Deutsche Welle, a group of eight independent human rights experts from the UN has also issued a statement calling on the Islamic Republic to immediately halt Zahra Shahbaz Tabari's execution. These experts argue that her conviction for "baghi" (rebellion) was based on the same placard and an unsubmitted audio message, asserting that the charge does not equate to the "most serious crimes" referenced in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.