US will take ‘very strong action’ if Iran hangs protesters: Trump’s warning to Tehran

The Islamic Republic is set to execute Erfan Soltani this Wednesday.

He was arrested last week during Iran’s 2026 uprising.

His only crime is calling for freedom for Iran.

Be his voice, save Erfan Soltani. pic.twitter.com/mVeUNZcCXk

— National Union for Democracy in Iran (@NUFDIran) January 12, 2026

Trump says, ‘help is on its way’

Mr Trump also told Iranians that “help is on its way,” urging them to continue demonstrating against the regime. He said Washington had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the violence against protesters stops.

pic.twitter.com/dLuCtZaP0o

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) January 13, 2026

Iranian official says more than 2,000 killed in protests

The protests, sparked in late December by worsening economic conditions, have spread nationwide and drawn thousands into the streets. Iranian security forces have responded with a harsh crackdown, with figures ranging from around 2,000 to possibly over 12,000, though the exact number of deaths is not known.  An Iranian official also told Reuters that 2,000 people had been killed but that “terrorists” were to blame.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported that it had so far confirmed the killing of 1,850 protesters, 135 people affiliated with the government and nine uninvolved civilians as well as nine children over the last 17 days despite an internet blackout.

The Iranian government, which had initially allowed the protests to happen, when it began on December 28 hardened its stand last week, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei saying “rioters must be put in their place and Attorney General Mohammad Movahedi Azad warning that anyone participating in demonstrations will be considered an “enemy of God”.