According to human rights organizations in the United States, at least 2,400 protesters have already died due to Iran's brutal crackdown on demonstrations. However, sources within CBS News estimate that the actual death toll could reach up to 20,000. [Photo=AP]

Despite US President Donald Trump's warning of a strong response, Iran's chief justice announced that trials and executions of young protesters detained for anti-government demonstrations will proceed swiftly.

According to the prominent US media outlet the New York Post, Iranian Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei stated on state television on the 14th (local time) that "If we are to do this, we must do it now. It will be ineffective in two or three months," announcing the execution of the first victim, Erfan Soltani, 26.

Mohseni-Ejei's remarks are also a direct challenge to President Trump.

In a CBS News interview on the 13th (local time), President Trump said, "We will take extremely strong action if they carry out such an act (hanging)."

According to human rights organizations in the United States, at least 2,400 protesters have already died due to Iran's brutal crackdown on demonstrations. However, sources within CBS News estimate that the actual death toll could reach up to 20,000.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, 18,100 people have been arrested recently, and Erfan Soltani was sentenced to death by hanging on charges of participating in anti-government protests. Soltani was reportedly allowed a 10-minute meeting with his family before his imprisonment.

President Trump hinted that military operations would be included in the process, stating that the "ultimate goal" of retaliation against Tehran is "victory."

After suspending negotiations with the Islamic Republic on the 13th, President Trump suggested that direct US intervention could begin soon, saying, "They are talking about hanging now, and we'll see how that turns out. It won't go well for them."

Iran allowed international calls to be made from mobile phones starting on the 13th (local time), but calls from overseas to Iran remain blocked.

Meanwhile, the Iranian government is preparing for a mass funeral for 100 security forces members who died during the crackdown on the protests.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee