Iranian state television has made a disturbing threat against US President Donald Trump following his encouragement to opponents of the Iranian regime. A news broadcast featured an image of Trump with a bloody ear, accompanied by a message indicating an imminent assassination attempt with the statement, “This time, the bullet won’t miss.”
Trump, speaking at the White House, claimed to have reliable information that executions in Iran had ceased, contradicting reports of ongoing violence by senior Iranian officials cracking down on protesters. He previously assured Iranians of support and urged continued protests against the government.
Reports from activists suggest that between 2,500 and 3,000 people have died in Iranian protests over the past two weeks. Iran’s justice chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, urged swift punishment for over 18,000 detainees through rapid trials and executions, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
Families have expressed anguish over the swift sentencing of their loved ones, including Erfan Soltani, who faced execution by hanging for allegedly committing acts against the Iranian government during protests in Fardis near Tehran.
Amid escalating tensions, Britain has closed its embassy in Iran and reduced its diplomatic presence due to security concerns. The British government has advised against travel to Iran and updated its travel guidance accordingly.