Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, vowing “very strong action” if the regime proceeds with executing protesters amid ongoing unrest. Speaking in an interview with CBS News correspondent Tony Dokoupil at a Ford factory in Detroit, Trump reacted to reports that 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani was scheduled for execution, saying the killing of demonstrators through mass hangings would cross a dangerous threshold.

Protests across Iran, which began on December 28, were initially triggered by worsening economic conditions, including rampant inflation and a collapsing currency, before escalating into broader political dissent against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s rule. The crackdown has been severe, with casualty figures sharply disputed: Iranian officials told Reuters about 2,000 protesters had died, while human rights groups estimate the toll could exceed 6,000, with arrests surpassing 10,700. Soltani’s family reportedly said he was not politically active but joined demonstrations reflecting the frustration of a younger generation.

Trump indicated that Tehran was “starting to cross” a red line and confirmed that senior U.S. officials were reviewing options ranging from diplomacy to military action. Talks with Iranian officials have reportedly been halted, while Trump used his Truth Social platform to urge Iranians to document abuses and promised that those responsible would “pay a big price,” reinforcing his hardline stance.

Further heightening tensions, Washington-based advocacy group United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) reportedly submitted a dossier to U.S. officials detailing 50 high-value Iranian military targets, including command centers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The group said the information outlines the infrastructure used to suppress protests and could shift the balance between civilians and state security forces, raising the stakes of any potential confrontation.

International reaction has been swift. Iran’s parliamentary speaker warned that U.S. or Israeli intervention would make them “legitimate targets,” while the UK imposed new sanctions and summoned Iran’s ambassador. France, Germany, and the U.S. advised citizens to leave Iran, as Tehran’s UN ambassador accused Washington of threatening Iranian sovereignty. Despite limited internet access, reports said Starlink satellite services were made available to help protesters stay connected, underscoring the growing global focus on Iran’s escalating crisis.