Daily London
Tehran’s crackdown on mass protests continues, with potential executions scheduled for today.
The country remains in an official internet blackout, though Starlink is believed to be providing free web access there.
It’s believed at least 2400 people have been killed in the protests so far, with up to 20,000 detained.
Trump posted on Truth Social that help was “on the way” for protesters, and urged them to stay out on the streets.
However, the US so far has not moved on Iran, and Trump has continued to make threats, most recently on the prospect of public executions.
“If they hang them, you’re going to see some things that are – I don’t know what you’re where you come from and what your thought process is – but you’ll perhaps be very happy,” he told reporters.
“We will take very strong action.”
Meanwhile, the US has moved personnel out of military bases in the Middle East, including its largest in Qatar, leading to speculation plans for an operation could be underway.
A US official told CNN personnel had been advised to leave the Qatar base as a “precaution”.
Two European officials have told Reuters US intervention in Iran could come in the next 24 hours, while an Israeli official also said Trump appears to have decided to take military action.
“All the signals are that a US attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes,” another Western military official said.
“Unpredictability is part of the strategy.”
The Tehran regime has blamed foreign agitators including the US for the mass protests and threatened to strike back if attacked.
Meanwhile, regional neighbours of Iran are urging the US to hold fire, concerned by the prospect of widespread conflict.
Arab and Turkish officials have significantly intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran this week, sources told CNN.
“Any military escalation will have consequences for the wider region, including its security and economy,” a regional official with knowledge of the matter told CNN on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have launched diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, the official said.
Arab governments have warned that an attack now could have the “opposite effect and unite Iranians on both sides behind the regime,” the regional official said.
Trump last week announced the US was pulling out of all diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials.
