U.S. Threatens 'Very Strong' Response Over Reported Imminent Protester Execution in Iran

Overview

• Hengaw reports that 26-year-old detainee Erfan Soltani is slated for execution today, described by activists as the first tied directly to the current protests.
• President Donald Trump told CBS News he would take very strong measures if Iran executes protesters, while declining to specify potential actions.
• The U.S. State Department says more than 10,600 people have been arrested since the unrest began, as HRANA reports 2,003 deaths and 16,784 detentions.
• The Wall Street Journal reports Saudi Arabia, Oman and Qatar urged the U.S. to avoid strikes that could disrupt oil flows, even as White House officials view a strike as more likely than not and weigh military, cyber and economic options.
• European governments summoned Iranian ambassadors and signaled new sanctions, Russia condemned external interference, and Brazil urged respect for Iranian sovereignty while flagging trade concerns over a proposed 25% U.S. tariff on countries doing business with Iran.