Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating the United States 'will take very strong action' if the regime proceeds with executing demonstrators. This comes amid reports that thousands may have been killed in a brutal crackdown on nationwide protests.
Trump's Cryptic Warnings and Impending Execution
In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, 9th January 2026, Trump delivered a chilling message, stating 'if they hang them, you're going to see some things'. His remarks followed reports that a 26-year-old shopkeeper, Erfan Soltani, is set to become the first person executed over the demonstrations. Executions in Tehran are typically carried out around the dawn call to prayer, scheduled for approximately 5:45 AM local time on Wednesday, 10th January.
Trump has kept his options open, confirming that military intervention is among the measures being considered. When pressed on the nature of the 'help' he cryptically promised in a social media post, he responded, 'You're going to find out'. In his post, which used the slogan 'MIGA' (Make Iran Great Again), he urged Iranians to 'Keep protesting' and assured them 'Help is on its way'.
UK Response and International Condemnation
The United Kingdom has responded by summoning Iran's ambassador to the Foreign Office and announcing a new package of economic sanctions. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper described the regime's actions as 'abhorrent', telling MPs the UK condemns 'the horrendous and brutal killing of Iranian protesters'.
The sanctions will target key Iranian industries, including finance, energy, transport, and software. Ms Cooper stopped short of advising UK citizens to leave Iran, despite the ongoing detention of British holidaymakers Craig and Lindsay Foreman without charge.
Scale of the Crackdown and Information Blackout
The protests, which began in late December 2025 over soaring inflation and the collapse of the rial, have evolved into a broader movement demanding political change. While Iranian officials have admitted to a death toll exceeding 2,000, independent reports suggest the true figure could be as high as 12,000.
A severe information blackout has hampered the flow of news, with internet restrictions still in place despite phone services being restored. In a significant development, the US organisation Holistic Resilience confirmed that Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service is now available for free in Iran, potentially circumventing state controls.
Iran has accused Trump of inciting violence and destabilising the country. In a letter to the UN Security Council, Iran's UN Ambassador, Amir Saeid Iravani, claimed the US and Israel bear 'direct and undeniable legal responsibility' for the loss of civilian lives. The unrest represents the most serious internal challenge to Iran's clerical establishment in years, though there are no immediate signs of a fracture within the security apparatus that sustains the regime.
