By Trendsetter Tribune 
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — The Islamic Republic of Iran has unleashed a “tsunami” of capital sentences against citizens involved in recent nationwide protests, just as President Donald Trump weighs a potential “warning shot” strike against Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. As of Tuesday, February 24, 2026, international human rights groups are warning of “imminent mass executions” intended to crush the spirit of the ongoing January 2026 uprising.
The dual crises have placed the region on its most precarious footing since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with U.S. airpower amassing in the Persian Gulf at levels not seen in over two decades.
Inside the Revolutionary Courts: 30 Lives on the Line
Human rights monitors, including Amnesty International and Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), have identified at least 30 individuals—including two children—currently facing the death penalty for alleged offenses committed during the “January Uprising.”
- The “Death Judge”: Many of the sentences were handed down by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, known as the “Death Judge,” in fast-tracked, online proceedings that lasted only minutes.
- The Children: Two 17-year-olds, Matin Mohammadi and Erfan Amiri, are among those facing execution for “enmity against God” (moharebeh).
- The Evidence: Rights groups allege the convictions are based on “confessions” extracted under severe torture, including mock executions and beatings.
- The “Indictment Wave”: The Iranian judiciary spokesperson announced that over 8,800 indictments have been issued in relation to the unrest, signaling that the current 30 death sentences may be only the beginning.
Trump’s Calculus: Strikes or “Regime Change”?
In Washington, the administration is debating a “calibrated” military response to Iran’s refusal to halt its nuclear enrichment program and its brutal crackdown on domestic dissent.
| Scenario | Strategic Objective | Details |
| Limited Strike | Pressure | Targeted B-2 or cruise missile strikes on IRGC command centers and ballistic missile sites to force a nuclear deal. |
| Broad Attack | Regime Change | A larger-scale campaign aimed at toppling the leadership if “last-ditch” talks fail. |
| The “Geneva Round” | Diplomacy | Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to meet Iranian officials in Geneva this Thursday, Feb 26. |
- The Gerald Ford: The USS Gerald Ford, the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, is expected to arrive in the Eastern Mediterranean within days to join the massive buildup of air power.
- The “Zero Enrichment” Demand: Envoy Steve Witkoff stated on Fox News that Trump’s directive is “zero enrichment,” a hardline stance that Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has already called a non-starter.
A Reluctant Pentagon?
Reports have surfaced that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, Gen. Dan Caine, has cautioned the President about the risks of a prolonged conflict.
- The “Maduro” Comparison: Caine reportedly warned that Iran is a far more capable adversary than Venezuela (referencing the recent U.S. operation to capture Nicolás Maduro).
- Stockpile Concerns: A primary concern is the low stockpile of anti-missile interceptors; during a 2025 strike, the U.S. reportedly fired 30 Patriot missiles in a single night to intercept Iranian counterattacks.
- The “Warship” Threat: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned last week that Iran possesses the capability to “sink a U.S. warship” if its territory is breached.
“I would rather have a Deal than not but, if we don’t make a Deal, it will be a very bad day for that Country and, very sadly, its people.” — President Donald Trump, Truth Social, Feb 23, 2026
The Protest Spirit
Despite the threat of the gallows, student protests have flared up at major universities in Tehran and Isfahan this week. Protesters have been seen carrying the pre-1979 “Lion and Sun” flag, a direct challenge to the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy. Rights groups are calling on the UN to take “urgent coordinated diplomatic action” to stop the executions before the Thursday negotiating deadline.