Trump warns Tehran: ‘Grave consequences if executions continue

Iran’s government has released its first official death toll amid ongoing nationwide protests, claiming that at least 3,117 people have been killed since demonstrations erupted on December 28. According to Iranian authorities, 2,427 of the dead were civilians and members of security forces, while the remaining casualties were labeled by the regime as “terrorists.”

The unrest has drawn sharp attention from Washington. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned last week that President Donald Trump and his administration have clearly communicated to Tehran that continued killings would result in “grave consequences.”

Responding to questions on Friday, a White House official told Fox News Digital that President Trump is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and that all options remain on the table should the Iranian regime proceed with executions of protesters.

The official further stated that following Trump’s warnings, demonstrators who were reportedly facing death sentences were not executed, describing this as a positive development. According to the White House, President Trump views this as encouraging news and hopes the trend of halting executions will continue.

Meanwhile, tensions escalated after reports surfaced that an Iranian soldier was sentenced to death for refusing to fire on protesters, intensifying global concern over Tehran’s crackdown.

However, Iran’s judiciary has pushed back strongly against Trump’s claims. President Trump wrote on Truth Social last week that he “greatly respected” Iran’s decision to cancel more than 800 scheduled executions, thanking Iranian leadership for the move.

Iran’s top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, dismissed the claim as “completely false.” Speaking to Iran’s judiciary-linked Mizan News Agency, and later cited by the Associated Press, Movahedi said, “No such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision.” He emphasized that Iran’s judicial system does not take instructions from foreign powers.

Despite Iran’s denials, the situation remains volatile, with international scrutiny intensifying as protests, arrests, and reports of executions continue across the country.