WEB DESK: United States President Donald Trump warned of a strong response if Iranian authorities carried out executions as part of their crackdown on a widespread uprising.
“We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” Trump said during an interview with CBS News when asked about reports suggesting executions could begin as early as Wednesday. Addressing the possibility of mass killings, he added, “When they start killing thousands of people — and now you’re talking about hangings — we’ll see how that works out for them,” referring to a troubling escalation in Iran’s response to protests.
The interview took place during Trump’s visit to a manufacturing facility in Michigan, where he also gave a speech focused on economic issues. In his address, he reiterated a statement he had previously shared on social media, assuring Iranian protesters that “help is on its way.”
Commenting on the unfolding events in Iran, Trump acknowledged uncertainty around the actual death toll. “I hear different numbers—one death is too many—but some reports suggest lower counts while others are much higher,” he remarked.
Later, upon returning to Washington and speaking with reporters, Trump disclosed that he was set to receive an official intelligence briefing on the situation in Iran. “The killings appear significant, but we don’t have confirmed details yet. I’ll be fully informed within the next 20 minutes, and we will act accordingly,” he stated.
This follows Trump’s earlier declaration that the U.S. would intervene if demonstrators were being killed—a situation that has already unfolded. Notably, at least 734 deaths have been officially reported, though figures from Norway-based organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) suggest the true toll could be in the thousands.
Concerns surrounding the potential use of the death penalty as a means to silence dissent have intensified after Tehran prosecutors signaled plans to pursue capital punishment for individuals charged with moharebeh—translated as “waging war against God”—for their involvement in recent protests. Amnesty International has raised alarms over the likelihood of rapid trials and arbitrary executions aimed at crushing resistance.
One particularly alarming case involves 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was arrested last week in Karaj, a suburb of Tehran. According to a source close to his family, Soltani has already received a death sentence and faces imminent execution, possibly as soon as Wednesday, according to IHR reports.
