Iran's judiciary chief has indicated authorities will conduct swift trials and executions for those detained during nationwide protests, as activists reported the official death toll has climbed to at least 2,571 people,Tasnim and HRANA reported on January 14.

Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei made the comments about expedited trials in a video on January 13, despite warnings from US President Donald Trump that he would "take very strong action" if executions proceed.

Several hundred people are expected to be sent to trial over the next week in rushed proceedings, which would likely fail to meet international standards. 

Mohseni-Ejei said in a video statement that swift action was needed in two areas: handling those he described as "rioters" and addressing economic corruption.

"If we want to do something, we must do it quickly. Do it on time," Mohseni-Ejei said. "If the work is delayed, even if we do the same work today in two months, it won't have that effect anymore."

The judiciary chief claimed some detained individuals had committed acts including beheading and burning people, stating that expectations from the judiciary, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and security forces to act against such individuals were "rightful."

Mohseni-Ejei also referenced efforts to support the government's economic management, including currency and market control, as measures that could help restore public confidence. He suggested both judicial action and economic stabilisation were needed to address the current situation.

The casualty figure represents the highest death toll from civil unrest in Iran in decades, surpassing previous protests; however, several reports from outside the country, citing Iran International, indicate the real death toll is more than 12,000 people or even as high as 20,000, CBS reported, neither of which has been confirmed.

Details of the government crackdown began emerging on January 13 as Iranians were able to make international phone calls for the first time in days after authorities severed nationwide communications when the demonstrations began.

Tens of thousands attended a funeral procession near Tehran University on January 14 for more than 300 security forces and civilians killed during the unrest.

Mourners carried Iranian flags and photographs of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei alongside images of the deceased. Caskets draped in Iranian flags were stacked three high in trucks and covered with roses and framed photographs.

Earlier on January 13, Germany announced that it advised its citizens to avoid travel to Iran, while several other countries, including the US, advised their citizens to leave the country at the earliest possible period.