Iranian authorities have moved swiftly towards the execution of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, who was reportedly arrested on January 8, 2026, and sentenced to death within days. Soltani's family and human rights organizations, including Hengaw and Iran Human Rights, have raised urgent alarms, stating that he was denied a fair trial, access to legal counsel, and proper due process. His family was reportedly granted only a brief, 10-minute final visit. Soltani faces charges of 'moharebeh,' translated as 'waging war against God,' a capital offense under Iran's Islamic Penal Code frequently used by the regime to suppress dissent. This incident occurs amid a widespread crackdown on anti-government protests that erupted in late December 2025 over economic grievances and quickly escalated into calls for regime change. In response to the escalating situation, former US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening 'very strong action' if the executions of protesters proceed. Trump stated that 'help is on its way' for Iranian citizens and indicated potential US intervention, though later reports on January 14, 2026, suggested he was informed that executions might be stopping, with Soltani's specifically reported as not having taken place yet but still possible. The international community, including UN experts and various NGOs, has condemned the death sentences and urged Iran to halt all executions and uphold human rights obligations. The protests have reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties and arrests, with an internet blackout further complicating information verification and raising concerns about the true scale of the government's crackdown.