Iran signals plans for fast trials and executions while promising retaliation against US, Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian officials signaled Wednesday that fast trials and executions lay ahead for suspects detained in nationwide protests, while the Islamic Republic promised retaliation if the U.S. or Israel intervenes in the domestic unrest.

The threats emerged as some personnel at a key U.S. military base in Qatar were advised to evacuate, even as President Donald Trump made a series of vague statements that left unclear what American action, if any, would take place against Iran.

Iran shut its airspace to commercial flights early Thursday morning for several hours, without explanation. The notice to pilots said the closure was estimated to end at 7:30 a.m. Flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com show aircraft flying around Iran from its north and south.

In comments to reporters, Trump said he had been told that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, without providing many details. The shift comes a day after Trump told protesters in Iran that “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” to respond to the Islamic Republic’s deadly crackdown.

“We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping — it’s stopped — it’s stopping,” Trump said at the White House w...