Trump warns of strong US action if Iran begins executing arrested protesters

President Donald Trump said the US would 'take very strong action' if Iranian authorities begin executing arrested protesters, after reports that at least 2,571 people have died and more than 18,100 have been detained during nationwide demonstrations.

President Donald Trump warned the United States would "take very strong action" if Iranian authorities begin executing arrested protesters. The comment followed reports that at least 2,571 people have died and more than 18,100 have been detained during more than two weeks of nationwide demonstrations. Iranian state media has for the first time acknowledged deaths, and several governments have issued travel warnings for their citizens in Iran. Rights groups have raised concerns about swift trials, coerced confessions and the possibility of executions. Known details: - The article reports President Trump told CBS News the US would respond strongly if Iran begins executing detained protesters. - Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported at least 2,571 deaths and over 18,100 detentions during the protests. - Rights groups including Amnesty International have highlighted cases they say risk imminent execution, and reported coerced confessions aired by Iranian state media. - The US State Department issued a warning for US citizens to leave Iran, and Iran's UN mission and other governments publicly disputed US statements. Summary: The president's warning came amid reports of a high death toll, mass detentions and fears of executions, which prompted travel warnings and international statements. It was reported that some hangings were set to begin on Wednesday and that the US president was due to be briefed on casualty figures.