US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to the Iranian regime, threatening "very strong action" if it proceeds with the execution of protesters detained during recent anti-government demonstrations.
Trump's Stern Warning to Tehran
In an interview with CBS news anchor Tony Dokoupil that aired on the evening of Tuesday, 13 January 2026, President Trump was unequivocal in his stance. "We will take very strong action. If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action," he declared. The warning comes as reports indicate the Middle Eastern nation is planning mass executions following widespread civil unrest.
The President expressed grave concern over the situation, stating, "We don't want to see what's happening in Iran happen... 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."
A Nation in Turmoil: Protests and a Brutal Crackdown
The crisis stems from major protests that erupted across Iran, with demonstrators seeking to oust the theocratic Mullah regime that has held power since 1979. Despite facing armed forces, citizens continued to turn out on the streets. The human cost has been devastating.
At least 2,000 people have died in the violent crackdown, according to reports. Disturbing footage has emerged showing body bags lined up in morgues in the capital, Tehran, underscoring the scale of the fatalities.
The First Execution: Erfan Soltani
The threat of execution has now become a terrifying reality. Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old clothes shop owner and young father, is set to be the first protester to face the gallows. Human rights groups report he was arrested at his home in Fardis, central Iran, last week for allegedly taking part in the anti-government protests.
In a move described as brutal by observers, it is reported that Soltani was granted just ten minutes with his family before his scheduled execution on Wednesday.
International Repercussions and 'Help' on the Way
President Trump amplified his warnings on social media on Tuesday, telling Iranian officials they would "pay a big price" for any violence. In a message of support, he also told Iranian citizens that "HELP IS ON ITS WAY."
During the CBS interview, he elaborated that this assistance was being offered in "different forms," including economic aid. He referenced last year's U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities but provided no further specifics on the nature of the impending action.
The Iranian government has remained defiant, stating that the United States would become a "legitimate target" should any military strikes proceed. The exchange of threats marks a significant and dangerous escalation in tensions between the two nations, centred on Iran's internal human rights crisis.
