Iran is facing one of its gravest political crises in decades as anti-government protests continue to rock the country, prompting sharp warnings from former US President Donald Trump. Tehran has announced plans to execute protesters accused of acting against the state, a move Trump said would invite “very strong action” from the United States.
According to human rights groups, at least 2,500 people have been killed since demonstrations erupted across Iran last week. Protesters are demanding an end to clerical rule led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with unrest spreading to major cities including Tehran, Karaj and Mashhad. Iranian authorities have imposed a sweeping internet blackout, now in its fifth day, making it difficult to verify the true scale of casualties.
One of the first reported executions is that of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, arrested during protests near Tehran. Rights organisations allege he was sentenced to death without a fair trial. Iranian prosecutors have invoked charges of moharebeh “waging war against God” a capital offence under Iranian law.
Reacting strongly, Trump urged Iranians to “KEEP PROTESTING” in a post on his Truth Social platform, adding, “Help is on its way.” He also said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killings stop, though details of the promised assistance remain unclear.
Amid the communications shutdown, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has reportedly offered free Starlink satellite internet services to Iran, allowing users with receivers to access the internet without subscription fees.
Meanwhile, reports suggest US envoy Steve Witkoff held secret talks with Iran’s exiled former crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who has emerged as a symbolic figure for protesters calling for regime change.
Iranian leaders, however, insist they have regained control. State media has shown pro-government rallies, while officials have blamed “terrorists” and foreign powers for the unrest. Despite claims of stability, analysts warn that the protests represent the most serious challenge to Iran’s ruling system in years, with the outcome still uncertain.
