The United States has warned of possible consequences if Iranian authorities proceed with executions linked to ongoing protests, as rights groups report a sharp rise in deaths and an extended nationwide internet shutdown limits independent verification from inside the country.
Speaking during a public address in the United States, Donald Trump said Washington would respond with “very strong action” if Iran carries out executions of detained protesters. His comments come amid claims by activists that more than 2,400 people have been killed during the unrest, a figure that has not been independently confirmed.
Protests and Rising Death Toll
The demonstrations, which began several days ago, have spread across major Iranian cities. Human rights organisations say security forces have used force to disperse crowds, with reports of widespread arrests and fatalities. Iranian authorities have not released comprehensive casualty figures and have rejected allegations of mass killings.
One rights advocate told international media that while previous protest movements in Iran were met with crackdowns, the current response appears broader and more severe, particularly in large urban centres. The group said it believes the scale of the response is intended to deter further demonstrations through fear.
Extended Internet Blackout
Iran has remained largely cut off from the global internet for more than five days, according to data from NetBlocks. The blackout, now exceeding 130 hours, has restricted access to messaging apps, social media platforms and many international websites.
The outage began after videos and eyewitness accounts from protests circulated online. Analysts say the shutdown has made it difficult for journalists and independent observers to confirm events on the ground, while also limiting communication between Iranians and the outside world.
US Reaction and Warnings
During his remarks, Trump urged protesters to continue demonstrating and suggested that those responsible for violence against civilians would eventually be held accountable. He also repeated earlier claims that the United States would support Iranian civilians through economic and diplomatic pressure, without detailing specific measures.
When asked by US media to clarify what form assistance might take, Trump said any support would be limited and framed around American interests. He acknowledged reports of significant casualties and said Washington was closely monitoring developments.
Potential Executions Raise Alarm
Concerns have grown following reports that some detained protesters could face execution. Asked about these claims, Trump said the US would respond decisively if such sentences were carried out. Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed plans for executions related to the protests.
Iran’s government has previously said it is acting to maintain order and national security, and has accused foreign powers of encouraging unrest. Tehran has not directly responded to the latest comments from the US president.
International Scrutiny Continues
The situation has drawn attention from governments and rights groups worldwide, with calls for restraint and for the restoration of internet access. Observers say the coming days will be critical in determining whether tensions ease or escalate further.