US President Donald Trump has warned Iran of "very strong action" if the nation kills protesters who are demonstrating against the government. Rights groups have said that more than 2,400 protesters have been executed by the Iranian government, BBC reported.
What did Donald Trump say?
In an interview with CBS News, President Trump addressed potential executions by the government of Iran, saying, "If they hang them, you're going to see some things... We will take very strong action if they do such a thing."
The BBC reported that relatives of detained protester Erfan Soltani have said that Soltani will be executed on Wednesday. They also informed that Soltani's death sentence was issued within just two days.
On the killings, President Trump told reporters, "The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain." He added that steps will be taken accordingly once he has the complete death toll.
Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday, "Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!!"
The US President has announced a 25 per cent tariff on any country that trades with Iran, and has been reportedly considering military options for intervention.
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How many people have been killed in the protests?
Reuters reported that an Iranian official put the number of deaths at 2,000, but blamed 'terrorists' for the killings.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has confirmed the execution of 2,403 protesters. The US-based organisation has said that 12 children have also been killed, and approximately 150 people affiliated with the government have also died. HRANA has also reported the arrests of more than 18,434 protesters.
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The protests against Ayatollah Khamenei's regime have spread across 180 cities and towns in all 31 provinces of Iran, BBC reported. Demonstrators took to the streets to protest against Iran's crumbling economy, rapid inflation, and rapidly increasing costs of living. The protesters have since been met with force by the authorities, and internet services have been shut down throughout the country.
