Iran's judiciary chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, has signaled a move towards rapid trials and potential executions for individuals detained during ongoing nationwide protests. In a video shared by Iranian state television, Mohseni-Ejei emphasized the need for swift action, stating that delays would diminish the impact. This comes despite a warning from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who, in a CBS interview aired on Tuesday (January 13, 2026), threatened "very strong action" if Iran proceeds with the executions. The protests, described as the largest Iran has seen in years, have been met with a bloody crackdown by security forces. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported on Wednesday (January 14, 2026) that the death toll has climbed to at least 2,571. This figure includes 2,403 protesters, 147 government-affiliated individuals, 12 children, and nine civilians not participating in demonstrations. More than 18,100 people have reportedly been detained. The situation recalls previous periods of unrest in Iran and highlights severe human rights concerns. Authorities had also severed communication nationwide, causing internet outages, though international phone links for outgoing calls were recently restored. Activists reported that Starlink was offering free satellite internet service in Iran to circumvent these shutdowns. In response to Trump's threats, Iran's government has accused the United States of attempting to create a pretext for military intervention. The swift judicial process and potential capital punishment raise grave concerns among international human rights organizations, underscoring the escalating tensions both within Iran and in its international relations.