Iran says protester Erfan Soltani is not on death row, quelling fears of execution, as the US had threatened military action. But with ongoing protests and global scrutiny, will Tehran’s assurances hold, or is tension far from over?
Erfan Soltani execution called off
Tehran: Iran has clarified that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested during anti-government protests in Karaj, has not been sentenced to death, state media reported. The announcement comes amid heightened international concern, with the United States warning Tehran against executing protesters.
According to Iran’s judiciary, Soltani is currently imprisoned in Karaj, facing charges of propaganda against Iran’s Islamic system and acting against national security. State TV quoted officials saying that, under Iranian law, the death penalty does not apply to such charges, and if convicted, he would face imprisonment instead.
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Earlier, at least two human rights organizations had warned that Soltani was at risk of imminent execution. The US State Department also expressed concern, suggesting he could be the first protester executed during the ongoing unrest in the country.
The issue escalated internationally as former US President Donald Trump repeatedly threatened Iran with military action if it carried out executions against protesters. Trump described the situation as “very serious” and called for the protection of citizens involved in anti-regime demonstrations.
On Wednesday, Trump indicated a potential softening of the US stance, saying he had been reassured by sources in Tehran that executions would not proceed. “We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping it’s stopped,” Trump said, adding that he would be “very upset” if the crackdown continued.
When asked about military action, he said he would monitor developments and “see what the process is,” noting that he had received a “very good statement” from individuals aware of the situation.
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Trump’s comments marked a notable shift in tone from his earlier remarks encouraging Iranians to continue protests and vowing to “act accordingly” after reports of killings. The former US leader also posted on social media assuring that “help is on the way” for those opposing the Khamenei-led regime.
Soltani’s case has drawn significant international scrutiny, highlighting growing concerns over Iran’s handling of protesters. Human rights groups and global governments continue to monitor developments, as fears of potential crackdowns and executions have sparked widespread debate on the country’s human rights record.
The Iranian judiciary’s statement aims to calm international anxieties, but the situation remains tense as both domestic unrest and global attention continue to pressure Tehran.
