Overview
- Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholamhosein Mohseni Ejei, announced expedited, public prosecutions for detained protesters with capital punishment on the table.
- U.S. officials and Amnesty International say detainee Erfan Soltani has an execution scheduled for January 14, and President Donald Trump warned of “very strong” measures and halted official contacts.
- Rights groups report casualty estimates ranging from hundreds to more than 2,500 and over 10,000 detentions, while an internet blackout since January 8 hinders verification.
- Iran’s defense minister, Aziz Nafizardeh, said U.S. bases in the region would be legitimate targets if Washington attacks.
- Qatar confirmed a precautionary partial withdrawal of some U.S. personnel from Al Udeid air base, and reporting indicates the U.S. National Security Council has prepared military options.