US President Donald Trump warned of “very strong action” as Iran is accused of preparing to hang anti-Khamenei protesters amid a deadly crackdown
Iran Accused of Planning Hangings, Trump Promises Tough US Response (Source: X)
Iran Protest: US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States will respond strongly if Iranian authorities begin hanging people as part of their crackdown on nationwide protests.
In an interview with CBS News on Tuesday, Trump said Washington would act if executions start. “We will take very strong action if they do such a thing,” he said when asked about reports that hangings could begin as early as Wednesday.
Trump:
— kayvan sabouri (@KayvanSabouri) January 14, 2026
"If they hang them, you're going to see some things that you might be very happy about.
If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action.
Let's define it with al-Baghdadi, he was wiped out, and let's define it with Soleimani.
When they start killing thousands of… pic.twitter.com/tifKwKip3k
Trump reacted sharply to the growing violence in Iran. “When they start killing thousands of people and now you're telling me about hanging. We'll see how that's going to work out for them,” he said in a video clip from the interview.
The interview took place while Trump was visiting Michigan, where he toured a manufacturing plant and gave a speech focused on the US economy.
During his speech, Trump repeated a message he had earlier posted online, saying “help is on its way” for protesters in Iran. He also said the real number of deaths is unclear.
“I hear numbers look, one death is too much but I hear much lower numbers, and then I hear much higher numbers,” he said.
Later, while flying back to Washington on Air Force One, Trump told reporters he was about to get a full briefing on Iran. “The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain. I'll know within 20 minutes and we'll act accordingly,” he said.
Trump has previously said the US would step in if protesters were killed something human rights groups say has already happened.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) said at least 734 people have been confirmed dead, though the real number is likely much higher.
Concerns are rising that Iran may begin executions to crush the protests. Tehran prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty under charges of “moharebeh,” meaning “waging war against God,” against some detained protesters.
Amnesty International warned, “Concerns are mounting that authorities will once again resort to swift trials and arbitrary executions to crush and deter dissent.”
Iran Human Rights highlighted the case of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was arrested last week in Karaj near Tehran. According to a family source, he has already been sentenced to death and could be executed as early as Wednesday.
