Tehran is signaling its intent to swiftly try and execute those arrested during ongoing protests, escalating tensions with the United States and raising concerns about human rights [[1]]. The move comes as demonstrations challenging the authority of the Islamic Republic continue, with reports indicating a death toll exceeding 2,500 [[2]]. U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of “vrey strong action” should Iran proceed with executions, directly responding to the potential sentencing of protesters with charges punishable by death [[3]].
Iranian judicial authorities have signaled their intention to swiftly try and execute individuals detained in connection with widespread protests sweeping the country, despite warnings from the United States. The move comes as demonstrations continue to challenge the authority of the Islamic Republic.
The indication, as reported by Associated Press on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, came from Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, head of Iran’s judiciary, in a video statement shared online by Iranian state television.
“If we want to do a job, we must do it now. If we want to do something, we must do it quickly,” Mohseni-Ejei stated.
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He added: “If it is late, two months, three months later, it will not have the same effect. If we want to do something, we must do it quickly.”
This statement is seen as a direct challenge to U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned Iran that the U.S. is prepared to take “very strong action” if reports of planned executions of protesters prove accurate.
“I haven’t heard about the hangings. If they hang them, you’re going to see things… We will be taking very strong action,” Trump said in an interview with CBS News that aired Tuesday, January 13, local time.
“If they do that, we will be taking very strong action,” Trump affirmed.
Trump’s warning followed reports that Iranian prosecutors were seeking to charge some of those arrested during the recent protests with “moharebeh” – or “waging war against God” – a crime punishable by death.
The protests, which began last month, initially focused on economic grievances but have since broadened into a widespread movement challenging Iran’s theocratic government, which has been in power since the 1979 revolution.
Recent days have seen escalating unrest and violence. An unnamed Iranian official reported on Tuesday, January 13, that approximately 2,000 people have been killed in the widespread protests.
However, the latest data from the U.S.-based human rights group, Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), indicates at least 2,571 people have died during the wave of protests across Iran.
According to HRANA, the casualties include 2,403 protesters, 147 individuals affiliated with the Iranian government, 12 children under the age of 18, and 9 civilians not involved in the demonstrations. More than 1,000 others have been injured.
HRANA also reported that over 10,700 people have been arrested during the two weeks of protests.
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