ISTANBUL

Iran’s judiciary chief vowed Wednesday to fast-track trials for protesters held during anti-government demonstrations that swept the country since last month.

“If action is to be taken, it must be taken now,” Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei said in comments carried by the state television during his visit to a detention facility.

“If it is delayed by two or three months, it will not have the same impact. What needs to be done must be done quickly.”

Protests swept Tehran and other Iranian cities since late last month over worsening economic conditions in the country.

Iranian government officials have accused the US and Israel of backing what they describe as “riots” and “terrorism.”

The judiciary chief’s comments came a day after US President Donald Trump pledged assistance to protesters in Iran.

"I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the senseless killing of protesters stops. Help is on its way,” Trump said on his social media platform, Truth Social.

Iranian authorities have not released official figures on casualties or the number of detainees. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), a US-based group, however, estimates that at least 2,500 people have been killed, including protesters and security personnel, and more than 1,100 others injured.

The group also says more than 18,000 people have been detained, though these figures have not been independently verified and differ from other estimates.