President Donald Trump declared he is prepared to take decisive action if the Iranian government executes anti-government protesters, as human rights groups report that the death toll from the crackdown has surpassed 2,400, including children. Iran, however, denies this and claims the deaths are the work of terrorist groups.
The conflict situation in Iran has escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement warning that the United States will impose "very severe measures" against Iran if authorities proceed with executing protesters as rumored.
The human rights organization Hengaw and relatives of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani told the BBC that Soltani was sentenced to death in a swift process just two days after his arrest, which is seen as a tactic to instill fear and suppress protests. It is expected that the execution may take place as soon as Wednesday.
The death and injury toll has risen sharply. Human rights activists (HRANA) confirm at least 2,403 protesters have died, including 12 children, and over 18,434 protesters have been detained. Hospitals in Tehran and other cities are described as "war zones" due to shortages of medical supplies and blood to treat the vast number of injured. However, Iranian authorities reject these figures, claiming about 2,000 deaths are caused by terrorist groups.
Donald Trump announced via the Truth Social platform that the Iranian government must "pay a heavy price" for killing citizens and ordered the cancellation of all meetings with Iranian officials until the violence ends. He also said military options and sanctions are being considered, having previously imposed a 25% tariff on countries still trading with Iran.
The protests have spread to 180 cities across 31 provinces nationwide, initially sparked by anger over soaring living costs and currency collapse, later evolving into calls for regime change. Despite the government imposing an internet blackout lasting over 120 hours, leaked videos have shown violent clashes and numerous protesters' bodies at the Tehran forensic center.
Meanwhile, Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on Iran to end the violence and repeal the charge of "enmity against God," which carries the death penalty and is being used against protesters immediately.
/BBC