U.S. Demands Iran Halt Execution of 19-Year-Old Wrestling Star Amid Crackdown on Athletes
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. State Department issued a strong condemnation on January 29, 2026, demanding that Iran immediately halt the execution of Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old Iranian wrestling champion sentenced to death for his participation in peaceful protests against the regime. Mohammadi’s case has drawn international attention as reports emerge of the Iranian government’s brutal crackdown on athletes and young protesters.
Wrestling holds a revered place in Iranian culture and has historically been a source of national pride. The sport’s significance was underscored in 2020 when then-President Donald Trump publicly advocated for the life of Navid Afkari, another Iranian Greco-Roman wrestler who was executed by the regime after being convicted for his involvement in anti-government demonstrations in 2018. Mohammadi now faces a similar fate amid ongoing unrest.
According to the official U.S. State Department Farsi-language Twitter account, the United States is “deeply concerned by reports that 19-year-old wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi is facing imminent execution.” The post further condemned the Islamic Republic of Iran for “massacring young people and destroying Iran’s future.”
Human rights advocates and international observers have documented a disturbing pattern of repression targeting athletes, with credible reports indicating that the Iranian regime has killed over 30 athletes during its recent crackdown on dissent. These actions reflect a broader campaign to silence voices calling for political and economic reforms in the country.
The U.S. Department of State’s call to action comes amid heightened tensions and widespread protests within Iran, where citizens have increasingly risked their lives to demand accountability and change. The State Department urged the Iranian government to respect fundamental human rights and to release all political prisoners.
Wrestling’s cultural importance in Iran amplifies the symbolic weight of Mohammadi’s case. The sport’s prominence was highlighted again when the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee expressed solidarity with athletes worldwide facing political persecution. The international wrestling community, however, has yet to issue an official response to Mohammadi’s sentencing.
Experts on Iranian affairs note that the regime’s targeting of young athletes is a deliberate tactic to intimidate the population and suppress dissent. Lisa Daftari, a foreign policy analyst, recently described the Iranian people as being held “hostage” by the ruling clerical regime, which continues to employ harsh measures to maintain control.
As the execution date approaches, human rights organizations and governments worldwide are calling for urgent diplomatic pressure to save Mohammadi’s life. The Human Rights Watch has repeatedly condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty against protesters and urged the international community to hold Tehran accountable.
Saleh Mohammadi’s case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice in Iran, where the intersection of sport and politics has become a battleground for human rights. The world watches closely, hoping that international advocacy can prevent another tragic loss and bring renewed attention to the plight of Iranian youth fighting for their future.
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