AdvertisementEarlier, the country's chief justice, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei, called for speedy trials and executions of "rioters," a term officials have used to refer to the protesters, as per Tasnim news agency. International concern spiked after U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in with a stark warning to the Iranian leadership. Speaking in Washington, Trump stated he would take "very strong action" if the executions were carried out, tying U.S. policy directly to Soltani's fate and the broader repression, stated CBS. One senior judicial official said the government must act "quickly" to address what it calls terrorist elements within the unrest, a claim rejected by international rights groups as a pretext for political repression. European governments have issued travel advisories for their citizens in Iran amid rising fears of instability.

Source: International New York Times January 15, 2026 05:37 UTC