Iran is scheduled to carry out the execution of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani today, marking the first confirmed hanging linked to the ongoing nationwide protests against the clerical regime. Soltani was arrested last week in Karaj near Tehran and sentenced to death on charges of "moharebeh" – waging war against God – without what human rights groups describe as a fair trial. The case has intensified global scrutiny amid reports of a brutal crackdown that has left thousands dead according to activist estimates.
US President Donald Trump has issued a direct warning to Iranian authorities, stating that the United States would take "very strong action" if the regime proceeds with the execution of protesters. In statements to CBS News and on his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Iranians to "KEEP PROTESTING," declared that "help is on its way," and claimed to have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the killing of demonstrators ceases. The precise nature of any potential US response or assistance remains unspecified.
Amid a prolonged internet blackout now exceeding five days, Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly activated free Starlink satellite internet access for users in Iran by waiving subscription fees, according to sources working to restore connectivity. The move aims to bypass government censorship that has severely restricted information flow during the unrest. Meanwhile, White House envoy Steve Witkoff held a secret meeting over the weekend with exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who has emerged as a prominent voice supporting the protests and calling for decisive action against the leadership.
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Human rights organizations report that the death toll from the crackdown has reached at least 2,571, with fresh videos showing bodies at mortuaries and families searching for missing relatives. Iranian authorities maintain that they have regained control of the streets, attributing civilian and security force deaths to "terrorists" while organizing pro-government rallies and national mourning events. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has portrayed the counter-demonstrations as evidence that the protest movement has been defeated.
Analysts note that while the current demonstrations represent one of the gravest challenges to the Islamic Republic since 1979, the regime retains formidable repressive tools, including the powerful Revolutionary Guard Corps. International figures have offered varying assessments, with some suggesting the theocratic system may be nearing its end due to sustained violence against civilians, while others caution that predictions of imminent collapse remain premature given the depth of institutional control.
Also Read: Iran Protests Escalate: Human Rights Group Labels Crackdown a ‘Mass Killing’