Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the Iranian regime, threatening "very strong action" if it proceeds with executing protesters as a widespread crackdown continues across the country.
Trump's Threats and Escalating Tensions
In an interview with CBS News, Trump stated the US would respond forcefully if Iran began killing people on a large scale. "When they start killing thousands of people – and now you’re telling me about hanging. We’ll see how that’s going to work out for them," he declared. This follows his public encouragement on Truth Social for "Iranian Patriots" to continue protesting and "take over your institutions," promising that "help is on its way."
The White House has previously confirmed that military options, including airstrikes, are under consideration. Trump has also cancelled planned meetings with Iranian officials "until the senseless killing" ceases, marking a potential end to recent de-escalation efforts.
Reports of Executions and Mounting Casualties
The warnings come amid increasingly alarming reports from inside Iran. The Kurdish rights group Hengaw has reported that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old man arrested during protests in Karaj, is scheduled for execution on Wednesday. Authorities have informed his family that the death sentence is final.
Furthermore, credible estimates of the death toll from the ongoing unrest have surged. According to two CBS sources who cited medical records, the number of people killed ranges from a conservative 2,000 to as many as 20,000. The Iranian government has not released any official figures.
International Response and Developments
The crisis has triggered a series of international reactions and developments:
- Travel Warnings: The US State Department has urgently advised American citizens in Iran to depart immediately, suggesting land exits to Armenia or Türkiye if safe. It also warned them to plan for communication difficulties due to continued internet blackouts.
- Starlink Intervention: Elon Musk's SpaceX is reportedly offering free Starlink satellite internet service in Iran, waiving subscription fees to bypass the government's internet shutdown, now in its fifth day.
- Diplomatic Moves: Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, held a secret meeting last weekend with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled former crown prince of Iran, to discuss the protests, according to Axios. Pahlavi has expressed readiness to lead a transition.
- Internal Briefings: President Trump is expected to receive a detailed briefing on the scale of casualties, while Vice President JD Vance chairs a National Security Council meeting on the situation.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the threat of severe state violence and potential foreign intervention creating a dangerous standoff. The world watches as Iran's internal crisis rapidly becomes an international flashpoint.
