Iran Enters State of Calm Post-Protests as Cleric Calls for Executions and Issues Warnings to Trump

A fragile calm has descended on Iran following a series of nationwide protests met with severe crackdowns by authorities. Recent days have shown no signs of renewed protests, even as a prominent hard-line cleric has publicly demanded the execution of jailed protesters while leveling threats against U.S. President Donald Trump.

The unrest, which ignited on December 28 over economic grievances, escalated into a broader challenge to the ruling regime. The violent response from security forces has reportedly resulted in thousands of deaths, sending shockwaves through both Iran and the global community.

Life in Tehran has shown signs of normalcy with shops open and traffic bustling. Nevertheless, a nationwide internet blackout persists, hindering communication and complicating the verification of events occurring across the nation. Officials have not reported any new conflicts in other regions of Iran.

During Friday prayers in Tehran, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami delivered a fervent sermon advocating for the execution of protesters detained during the unrest, labeling them enemies of the state and accusing them of colluding with foreign entities.

Khatami issued a direct threat to both the U.S. and Israel, specifically mentioning President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He warned that they should be prepared for “hard revenge” from Iran, a sentiment echoed by the chanting of worshippers who are fervently aligned with hard-line government perspectives.

In contrast, President Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone while addressing reporters in Washington, noting that he appreciated Iran’s restraint from executing the detained protesters. Previously warning that such actions could provoke a military response, Trump did not elaborate on how he verified the situation regarding those awaiting execution.

Human rights organizations underscore the brutal consequences of the crackdown, with the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting at least 3,090 deaths since protests began, making this one of the most lethal periods of unrest in Iran for decades, comparable to the violence from the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian government has not disclosed official casualty figures, and independent verification of the toll remains elusive.

Ayatollah Khatami also highlighted the extensive damage during the protests, claiming that numerous mosques, hospitals, ambulances, and emergency units had been affected. He noted that many homes belonging to prayer leaders faced assaults, illustrating profound unrest within the populace against the ruling system.

As calm prevails on Iranian streets, international tensions continue. Russian President Vladimir Putin has engaged with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, aiming to defuse rising tensions. Several Middle Eastern nations have warned the U.S. that military strikes against Iran could have detrimental effects on the global economy and increase instability in the region.

Exiled opposition figure Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Iranians to maintain their resolve, pledging to continue the struggle and suggesting that Trump would honor his commitment to support activists. Despite his call for renewed protests, his influence within Iran remains minimal.

Across Europe, thousands of exiled Iranians and supporters have rallied in cities, denouncing the Iranian government and showing solidarity with domestic protestors.

With internet access still limited, some Iranians have sought refuge in neighboring countries to reach out to the outside world, recounting experiences of heavy gunfire during the unrest and expressing fears about the uncertainty back home.

At present, Iran remains on edge, though silent. The lack of protests belies an undercurrent of anger, suggesting that fear and oppression have temporarily stifled public dissent, while underlying political and economic turmoil continues to brew.