Iran’s chief prosecutor refuted U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims of stopping the execution of 800 detained protesters in the country as “completely untrue.” The death toll from the violent suppression of nationwide protests has now climbed to a minimum of 5,032, according to activists.
Amid concerns that the actual number of casualties could be higher, activists are facing challenges in verifying information due to an extensive internet blackout in Iran, now surpassing two weeks.
With the United States deploying an aircraft carrier group closer to the Middle East, tensions between the two nations persist. Trump referred to the deployment as an “armada” in remarks to reporters on Thursday, hinting at a potential military response. However, analysts suggest that despite the military buildup, Trump has refrained from launching strikes thus far, citing the mass execution of prisoners as a red line for military intervention.
Iran’s top prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, dismissed Trump’s claims about halting the executions, emphasizing that no such decision was made by the judiciary. Judiciary officials have labeled some detainees as “enemies of God,” a charge that carries the death penalty and has historically led to mass executions in Iran.
At a special session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, concerns were raised over contradictory statements from Iranian authorities regarding the potential execution of protesters. The UN high commissioner for human rights highlighted Iran’s status as one of the top executioner states globally and noted a significant increase in executions in the country.
In Tehran, the Friday prayer leader, Mohammad Javad Haji Ali Akbari, launched verbal attacks on Trump, describing him as a “yellow-faced, yellow-haired, and disgraced man.” He warned of retaliation against U.S. interests in the region if any harm were to befall Iran.
The latest death toll figures, provided by the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, indicate a significant number of casualties among demonstrators, government affiliates, children, and civilians. The report also highlighted a growing number of detentions by Iranian authorities.
As the conflict escalates, the U.S. has deployed additional military assets to the Middle East, including the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Trump mentioned the possibility of military action against Iran while emphasizing the need for a diplomatic resolution to the nuclear program standoff.
Despite escalating tensions and military movements, efforts to independently verify the death toll have been hindered by restrictions on internet access and communication in Iran.