Iran’s chief justice has indicated that those arrested during the widespread demonstrations against the nation’s theocratic regime might face expedited trials and potential executions. Meanwhile, activists reported that the protest-related death toll has surged to an alarming 2,572, a number not seen in decades.

Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, head of Iran’s judiciary, discussed the possibility of swift legal actions in a video released on Tuesday. This comes despite a caution from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated he would take “very strong action” should such executions occur.

According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency based in the United States, the fatalities had increased to at least 2,571 by early Wednesday. This grim tally surpasses any death toll from other protests in Iran over the past several decades, reminiscent of the upheaval during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Upon learning about the rising deaths, President Trump warned the Iranian leadership that he was halting any discussions and would “act accordingly” in response to the situation.

As Tuesday unfolded, more details of the government crackdown emerged. Iranians began reaching out to friends and family abroad after authorities had cut off the nation’s communications during the protests.

Here is the latest:

Iran’s judiciary chief signals fast trials and executions ahead

Iran’s judiciary chief signals fast trials and executions for those detained in nationwide protests.

Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the comment in a video shared by Iranian state television on Wednesday.

He emphasized the need for swift action, saying delays would lessen the impact.

His remarks challenge Trump, who warned Iran about executions in an interview aired Tuesday.

Trump stated the U.S. would take strong action if Iran proceeded with executions. The situation highlights escalating tensions between the two countries over the handling of the protests.

Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran return home

Dozens of Pakistani students studying in Iran have returned home through a remote southwestern border crossing, a Pakistani immigration official said Wednesday.

Federal Investigation Agency spokesperson in Quetta city, Samina Raisani, said about 60 students crossed into Pakistan on Tuesday through Gabd border in Balochistan province with valid travel documents.

More students were expected to return through the same crossing later Wednesday, she said.

Mudassir Tipu, Pakistan’s ambassador to Iran, said Tuesday that Iranian universities had rescheduled exams and permitted international students to leave the country.

Satellite internet provider Starlink offering free service inside Iran

The satellite internet provider Starlink now offers free service in to people Iran who have access to the company’s receivers, activists said Wednesday.

Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who helped get the units into Iran, told The Associated Press that the free service had started. Other activists also confirmed in messages online that the service was free.

Starlink has been the only way for Iranians to communicate with the outside world since authorities shut down the internet Thursday night as nationwide protests swelled and they began a bloody crackdown against demonstrators.

Starlink did not immediately acknowledge the decision.