Iran’s state-controlled television has aired a disturbing threat of assassination against US President Donald Trump following his call for making Iran great again. The televised message featured an image of Trump with a bloodied ear and a warning that the next attempt on his life will not fail.
Trump recently claimed, without providing many specifics, that executions in Iran have ceased, contradicting reports of ongoing crackdowns on protestors by Iranian authorities. He had previously encouraged Iranians to continue protesting against the government, assuring them that assistance was forthcoming.
Activists estimate that between 2,500 and 3,000 people have died in the recent protests in Iran. Iran’s justice chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, urged swift punishment for over 18,000 detainees through rapid trials and executions to maintain the desired impact.
One of the individuals facing execution is Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested during anti-government demonstrations. Charged with “waging war against God,” a crime punishable by death in Iran, Erfan’s family was devastated to learn of his sentence and given only a brief opportunity to bid him farewell.
In response to the escalating security situation in Iran, the UK has closed its embassy in Tehran and withdrawn non-essential staff. British citizens have been advised against traveling to Iran, with the Foreign Office adjusting its travel guidance accordingly.