US President Donald Trump has warned of unspecified “very strong action” if Iranian authorities proceed with threatened hangings of protesters, as Tehran dismissed American warnings as a “pretext for military intervention.”
The escalating crackdown, which rights groups say has likely killed thousands, marks one of the gravest challenges yet to Iran’s clerical leadership. Videos verified by AFP show bodies wrapped in black bags at the Kahrizak morgue south of Tehran, with distraught relatives searching for loved ones.
Trump, speaking in a CBS News interview, condemned the potential executions, saying: “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.” Tehran prosecutors have announced that some arrested protesters will face capital charges of “moharebeh,” or “waging war against God.”
The US State Department confirmed that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani has been sentenced to death, warning that he “won’t be the last,” with over 10,600 arrests reported. Amnesty International called for an immediate halt to all executions. Trump urged Iranians to “KEEP PROTESTING” on Truth Social, adding: “HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
European nations have also voiced concern. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, along with the European Union, summoned Iranian ambassadors, condemning the growing death toll. Ursula von der Leyen, EU chief, called the rising casualties “horrifying” and promised further sanctions. Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights confirmed 734 deaths, including nine minors, while warning that the true toll may be in the thousands.
Iranian authorities, meanwhile, reported dozens of security force members killed, with funerals turning into mass pro-government rallies. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hailed nationwide government-organized rallies as proof the protests had been defeated and issued a “warning” to the United States.
Observers caution that while the protests present a serious challenge to the regime, the Islamic Republic’s deep repressive apparatus, including the Revolutionary Guard Corps, may prevent an immediate collapse. Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s ousted shah, called on the military to stop suppressing demonstrators, emphasizing their role as the national military, not the enforcers of the regime.
As tensions rise, Iran remains at a crossroads, with mounting international scrutiny and domestic unrest threatening the stability of the 86-year-old clerical leadership.
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