Iran’s chief prosecutor dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertions about stopping the hangings of 800 detained protesters in Iran as untrue. The death toll from the recent crackdown on nationwide protests has risen to over 5,000, with concerns of more casualties amid a prolonged internet blackout in the country.
Tensions between the United States and Iran persist as an American aircraft carrier group moves closer to the Middle East, a move Trump likened to an “armada.” While Trump had previously set red lines for military intervention, including mass executions of prisoners, analysts suggest that military assets being deployed in the region could still lead to potential kinetic action.
Iran’s top prosecutor denied the alleged halting of executions, labeling Trump’s claims as baseless. The judiciary in Iran has labeled some detainees as “enemies of God,” a charge that carries a death penalty. At a UN Human Rights Council session, concerns were raised over contradictory statements from Iranian authorities regarding the possible execution of protesters.
The death toll figures reported by various sources vary, with one reporting over 4,700 deaths, including demonstrators, government affiliates, children, and civilians. The Iranian government has provided a lower death toll, citing a mix of civilians, security forces, and “terrorists” among the casualties. Independent verification of these figures has been hindered by restricted access to information within Iran.
The U.S. has escalated its military presence in the region, with the deployment of additional warships, including the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Trump mentioned the possibility of military action against Iran, citing past negotiations and warning of potential strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Despite ongoing tensions, diplomatic channels between Iran and the U.S. have been active, with talks over Iran’s nuclear program conducted through intermediaries. The evolving situation underscores the fragile dynamics between the two nations amidst heightened military posturing and diplomatic engagements.