WASHINGTON DC: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States would take “very strong measures” against Iran if it proceeds with executing protesters, reiterating earlier remarks in which he told Iranians that “help is on the way.”
The warning comes amid reports that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was detained last week, is due to be executed today. His relatives shared the information with BBC Persian. According to a US-based human rights group, more than 2,400 anti-government demonstrators have been killed during a violent crackdown by Iranian authorities.
Trump is reportedly weighing military and other response options, having already announced 25 percent tariffs on any country that continues to trade with Iran. In response, Iran’s government has accused the United States of attempting to “manufacture a pretext for military intervention,” warning that such a strategy has failed in the past.
While some people in Iran have recently been able to make contact with individuals outside the country, an ongoing internet blackout continues to hinder efforts to independently verify information from within Iran.
(Inputs from BBC)
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