US warns of escalating measures against Iran over ongoing protester killings

US Officials Reiterate Threats Against Iran Amid Ongoing Protests

The White House has reaffirmed that all options remain on the table for the US to take military action against Iran, following reports of continued killings of antigovernment protesters. According to Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, President Donald Trump and his team have communicated to Iran that further violence would result in “grave consequences”.

On Thursday, Leavitt stated that 800 executions scheduled for yesterday were halted, although no evidence was provided to support this claim. The US president and his team are closely monitoring the situation, with all options remaining available.

The protests began in late December last year, sparked by inflation and currency devaluation concerns. Demonstrations have spread across Iran, resulting in over 1,000 reported deaths among protesters and more than 100 security officers killed according to Iranian government reports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has denied plans for executions, stating “hanging is out of the question”. However, he had previously stated that Iran was ready for war if the US wanted to test its military capabilities.

The situation remains tense, with a nationwide internet blackout affecting online monitoring. A resident in Tehran reported heavy security presence and widespread uncertainty among citizens. Iranian Defence Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh warned of using all necessary capabilities to suppress what he described as “savage armed terrorists”.

In response to the ongoing unrest, Washington has issued fresh sanctions against Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

Source: Al Jazeera