United States President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the Iranian regime, threatening 'very strong action' if it carries out the execution of anti-government protesters. The warning comes amidst a brutal crackdown in which human rights groups report at least 2,000 people have died.
Trump's Stark Warning in CBS Interview
In an interview with CBS news anchor Tony Dokoupil that aired on the evening of Tuesday, January 13, 2026, President Trump was unequivocal. 'We will take very strong action. If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action,' he stated, referring to Iran's plans for mass executions. He expressed horror at the regime's actions, saying, 'when they start killing thousands of people, and now you're telling me about hanging — we'll see how that works out for them. It's not going to work out good.'
Trump also claimed that assistance for the Iranian people was 'on its way' in 'different forms', including economic help, though he offered few specifics beyond referencing previous US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Earlier on Tuesday, he had taken to social media to warn Iranian officials they would 'pay a big price' for any violence.
First Execution Looms for Young Father
The international tension escalates as Iran prepares for its first execution directly linked to the recent wave of protests. The individual facing the death penalty is identified as 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, a young father and clothes shop owner from Fardis in central Iran.
According to human rights organisations, Soltani was arrested at his home after allegedly participating in anti-government protests last week. Disturbingly, reports suggest he was given just 10 minutes with his family before his scheduled execution by hanging on Wednesday, January 14.
A Nation in Turmoil
The protests, which aim to oust the theocratic regime that has ruled since 1979, have continued despite a violent response from state security forces. Videos have emerged showing body bags lined up in morgues in the capital, Tehran, painting a grim picture of the scale of the crackdown.
In a defiant response to Trump's threats, Iranian officials have stated that the US would become a 'legitimate target' should any American strikes proceed. The situation creates a precarious international standoff, with the fate of thousands of Iranian protesters hanging in the balance.
