US President Donald Trump threatens a forceful response if Iran executes protesters, as rights groups report hundreds killed and fears of hangings grow.
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has warned the United States will take “very strong action” if Iranian authorities begin hanging protesters.
“We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” Trump told CBS News in an interview.
He made the remarks when asked about reports that hangings could begin as early as Wednesday.
Trump, who was speaking during a visit to Michigan, reiterated that “help is on its way” for the demonstrators.
He later told reporters he would soon receive a briefing on the situation in Iran.
“The killing looks like it’s significant, but we don’t know yet for certain,” Trump said.
He added that the US would “act accordingly” once the facts were clear.
Trump had previously vowed US involvement if protesters were killed, a threshold rights groups say has already been crossed.
At least 734 people are confirmed killed, though the actual toll is likely in the thousands, according to Norway-based NGO Iran Human Rights.
Fears are mounting that Iran will use the death penalty to crush the popular uprising.
Tehran prosecutors said they would press capital charges of “waging war against God” against some detainees.
“Concerns are mounting that authorities will once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent,” Amnesty International said.
Iran Human Rights highlighted the case of Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old reportedly sentenced to death and due for execution as early as Wednesday.
