Erfan Soltani’s family is urgently reaching out to Donald Trump for help in saving the Iranian shopkeeper, who is facing execution as a result of his participation in anti-government protests. Erfan was given a brief farewell by his relatives after receiving a death sentence from the Iranian regime amid ongoing violent crackdowns on demonstrations triggered by economic grievances. His scheduled hanging today marks another tragic loss in the wave of unrest that poses a significant challenge to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s decades-long rule.
Appealing for immediate intervention, Erfan’s family has implored Trump to prevent the execution, emphasizing the critical need for swift action. Expressing their distress, Somayeh, a cousin of Soltani, pleaded for help, highlighting the urgency of the situation and citing trust in Trump’s previous pledges to address such atrocities. She described her shock upon learning of Erfan’s impending death, expressing disbelief akin to a surreal experience.
Somayeh portrayed Erfan as a staunch advocate for basic freedoms in Iran, underscoring his commitment to the nation’s liberty. In the face of impending tragedy, she lamented the stark contrast between his ideals and the grim reality of his imminent fate. Meanwhile, Trump has urged Iranian protestors to persist in their resistance against the regime, warning of consequences for authorities responsible for the reported deaths linked to the ongoing demonstrations.
Despite official reports citing lower casualty figures, independent sources suggest a significantly higher death toll nearing 2,000 individuals. Judicial authorities in Iran have expedited legal proceedings against protesters, branding them as “rioters” and “terrorists,” with Erfan’s execution slated for January 14. Although Iran is known for prolonged legal processes in capital punishment cases, it continues to maintain a high rate of executions, with over 2,000 reported cases in 2025 alone.
Somayeh refuted allegations of violence on Erfan’s part during protests, attributing any destruction to the regime’s actions and rejecting claims of fabricated charges against young demonstrators. The situation remains tense as the Iranian government faces escalating international pressure and internal dissent over its handling of the protests.