The death toll from protests in Iran has risen sharply to at least 2,571, including 12 children, according to the activist group Human Rights Activists News Agency. They said 2,403 were protesters and 147 government-affiliated. Over 18,100 people have been detained. Iran’s internet blackout makes independent verification difficult. The government has not shared official casualty figures. Erfan Soltani, aged 26, arrested in Karaj during protests, reportedly faces execution on Wednesday. Amnesty International warns Iran might use quick trials and executions to stop dissent. Officials told Soltani’s family his death sentence is final. He lost contact with his family amid the protests and internet shutdown. US President Donald Trump said the US "will take very strong action" if Iran starts executing protesters. Speaking to CBS News, Trump said, "When they start killing thousands of people – and now you’re telling me about hanging. We’ll see how that’s going to work out for them." Trump urged protesters to continue, tweeting, "Iranian Patriots, keep protesting – take over your institutions!!! … help is on its way." The White House acknowledged airstrikes are among many options being considered. Reports from CBS sources suggest deaths could be as high as 20,000, but the exact figure is unconfirmed. The US State Department advises American citizens to leave Iran safely, including by land through Armenia or Turkey. They also warn of internet outages and limited government support for evacuation. Trump canceled meetings with Iranian officials "until the senseless killing" stops, signaling strained talks. His Vice-President JD Vance is leading a National Security Council meeting on the crisis. In parallel, SpaceX offers free Starlink satellite internet to Iranians amid the blackout. In secret talks, US envoy Steve Witkoff met exiled Iranian crown prince Reza Pahlavi, who supports nonviolent change and a political referendum. The protests continue to draw worldwide attention as Iran faces one of its deadliest crackdowns in decades.