Iran is set to execute a 26-year-old man on Wednesday, marking the first execution linked to the widespread anti-regime protests that have reportedly claimed over 600 lives. His name is Erfan Soltani, and he was arrested on January 8 near his home in the Fardis district of Karaj. His family did not receive any information about him for three days, as reported by IranWire.
According to reports, security officials confirmed his detention to the police on January 11 and informed them that Soltani had already been sentenced to death. Close sources to the family indicated that there was no case file available for review. Officials relayed to the family that the verdict was irreversible and would be executed soon.
On social media, Masi Alinejad highlighted how the Iranian regime suppresses dissent, noting the internet shutdown, street violence against protesters, and rapid executions aimed at instilling fear in society.
Notably, Soltani’s sister, who is a certified lawyer, was denied access to the case file. The National newspaper from the UAE, citing a family source, reported that the judicial process appeared to be “rapid and opaque.” Human rights organizations have expressed concerns over Soltani being denied a lawyer and the lack of a trial. The head of one group remarked that the recent actions against civilian protesters were reminiscent of the regime’s past atrocities from the 1980s.
Since the protests began on December 28, 2025, at least 648 demonstrators have lost their lives across 14 provinces. More than 10,000 arrests have been made, and authorities have cut off internet access almost entirely since January 8, as per Iran’s Human Rights Authority.
Amidst this turmoil, President Donald Trump issued a warning to Tehran regarding their treatment of protesters, stating that any violence would prompt a military response from the U.S. His administration maintained that while diplomacy remains the primary approach, military options are not off the table should the situation escalate.
In reaction, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that Tehran is “fully prepared for war,” dismissing the threats from the U.S. as unfounded.
