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Iran’s judiciary chief vowed Wednesday to fast-track trials for protesters detained during anti-government demonstrations that have swept the country since last month.
“If action is to be taken, it must be taken now,” Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei said during a visit to a detention facility, according to state television. “If it is delayed by two or three months, it will not have the same impact. What needs to be done must be done quickly.”
Protests erupted in Tehran and other cities in late December over worsening economic conditions and have since grown into one of the most serious challenges to Iran’s leadership in years.
Iranian officials have accused the United States and Israel of backing what they describe as “riots” and “terrorism,” allegations both countries deny.
Mohseni-Ejei’s remarks came a day after Donald Trump pledged assistance to Iranian protesters.
“I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. Help is on its way,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Trump has repeatedly warned Tehran against using lethal force and has urged Iranians to continue protesting.
Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties or arrests.
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) estimates that at least 2,500 people—including protesters and security personnel—have been killed, with more than 1,100 injured. The group also says more than 18,000 people have been detained.
The figures have not been independently verified and differ from other estimates.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Wednesday it is at the “peak of defensive readiness” amid escalating tensions with Washington.
Brig. Gen. Seyyed Majid Mousavi, commander of the IRGC’s aerospace division, said Iran’s missile stockpiles have increased and all damage sustained during last June’s 12-day war with Israel has been fully repaired.
“The aerospace force is at peak defensive readiness and prepared to counter any aggression,” Mousavi told the semi-official Fars News Agency.
During the June conflict, Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel after Israeli strikes killed senior Iranian military commanders and scientists. The United States also bombed three Iranian nuclear sites during the war.
Trump has hinted at possible military action against Iran, including potential strikes, amid ongoing protests and after announcing new tariffs on countries trading with Tehran.
“To all Iranian patriots, keep protesting,” Trump wrote following a speech in Michigan on Tuesday, urging protesters to “take over institutions” and warning that those responsible for violence would “pay a very big price.”
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Iranian officials have responded with strong warnings, saying US military bases in the region would be targeted if Iran is attacked.
In a letter to Antonio Guterres, Iran’s UN envoy accused Trump of inciting violence and threatening military intervention.
Iran’s top security official, Ali Larijani, dismissed Trump’s statements, calling him “one of the main killers of Iranians.”
Several countries have urged their citizens to immediately leave Iran as tensions continue to escalate.
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