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AP PHOTOS: Light and shadows add an extra dimension at the French Open tennis tournament

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AP PHOTOS: Light and shadows add an extra dimension at the French Open tennis tournament
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News

AP PHOTOS: Light and shadows add an extra dimension at the French Open tennis tournament

2025-06-02 15:07 Last Updated At:15:41

PARIS (AP) — The striking interplay of light and shadows on the red clay courts moves with the players at Roland Garros, while the dramatic light in the stadium adds depth and intensity to every swing of the racket during the French Open.

This gallery, curated by AP photo editors, showcases some of the visual highlights so far from the French Open tennis tournament.

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Line judges check the play during the third round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and France's Quentin Halys, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Line judges check the play during the third round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and France's Quentin Halys, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reacts as she plays Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reacts as she plays Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Australia's Daria Kasatkina is silhouetted as she plays Spain's Paula Badosa during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Australia's Daria Kasatkina is silhouetted as she plays Spain's Paula Badosa during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

A fan watches from the top of the stands during a second-round match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann during the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A fan watches from the top of the stands during a second-round match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann during the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina casts her shadow on the court as she returns the ball to Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina casts her shadow on the court as she returns the ball to Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti returns the ball to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti returns the ball to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fans are reflected in glass from an upper tribune as France's Gael Monfils serves against Britain's Jack Draper during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fans are reflected in glass from an upper tribune as France's Gael Monfils serves against Britain's Jack Draper during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. returns the ball to United States' Sofia Kenin during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. returns the ball to United States' Sofia Kenin during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Italy's Matteo Gigante casts his shadow on the court as he serves against Ben Shelton of the U.S.during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Italy's Matteo Gigante casts his shadow on the court as he serves against Ben Shelton of the U.S.during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Fans are reflected in glass in an upper concourse as Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Austria's Filip Misolic during a third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fans are reflected in glass in an upper concourse as Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Austria's Filip Misolic during a third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti casts his shadow on the court as he bounces the ball before serving to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti casts his shadow on the court as he bounces the ball before serving to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ben Shelton of the U.S. returns the ball to Italy's Matteo Gigante during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Ben Shelton of the U.S. returns the ball to Italy's Matteo Gigante during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini stretches to return the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini stretches to return the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A ball casts its shadow on the arm of Ben Shelton of the U.S. as he plays Italy's Matteo Gigante , during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A ball casts its shadow on the arm of Ben Shelton of the U.S. as he plays Italy's Matteo Gigante , during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The sun sets during the second round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and Emilio Nava of the United States at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

The sun sets during the second round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and Emilio Nava of the United States at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini prepares to serve the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini prepares to serve the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Poland's Iga Swiatek is seen through a fence as she serves against Romania's Jaqueline Cristian during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Poland's Iga Swiatek is seen through a fence as she serves against Romania's Jaqueline Cristian during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A ball boy follows the fourth round match of the French Tennis Open between China's Zheng Qinwen and Russia's Liudmila Samsonova, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A ball boy follows the fourth round match of the French Tennis Open between China's Zheng Qinwen and Russia's Liudmila Samsonova, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The evening sun hits the stands during a second-round match between Britain's Jack Draper and France's Gael Monfils in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The evening sun hits the stands during a second-round match between Britain's Jack Draper and France's Gael Monfils in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jannik Sinner serves against France's Arthur Rinderknech during a first-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jannik Sinner serves against France's Arthur Rinderknech during a first-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Serbia's Novak Djokovic wipes his face during a third-round match against Austria's Filip Misolic in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Serbia's Novak Djokovic wipes his face during a third-round match against Austria's Filip Misolic in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva looks to return the ball against Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva looks to return the ball against Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Britain's Jack Draper prepares to serve against France's Gael Monfils during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Britain's Jack Draper prepares to serve against France's Gael Monfils during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Line judges check the play during the third round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and France's Quentin Halys, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Line judges check the play during the third round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and France's Quentin Halys, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reacts as she plays Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini reacts as she plays Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Australia's Daria Kasatkina is silhouetted as she plays Spain's Paula Badosa during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Australia's Daria Kasatkina is silhouetted as she plays Spain's Paula Badosa during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

A fan watches from the top of the stands during a second-round match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann during the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A fan watches from the top of the stands during a second-round match between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Switzerland's Jil Teichmann during the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina casts her shadow on the court as she returns the ball to Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina casts her shadow on the court as she returns the ball to Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti returns the ball to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti returns the ball to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fans are reflected in glass from an upper tribune as France's Gael Monfils serves against Britain's Jack Draper during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fans are reflected in glass from an upper tribune as France's Gael Monfils serves against Britain's Jack Draper during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Spain's Carlos Alcaraz returns the ball to Ben Shelton of the U.S. during their fourth round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. returns the ball to United States' Sofia Kenin during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Coco Gauff of the U.S. returns the ball to United States' Sofia Kenin during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Italy's Matteo Gigante casts his shadow on the court as he serves against Ben Shelton of the U.S.during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Italy's Matteo Gigante casts his shadow on the court as he serves against Ben Shelton of the U.S.during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Fans are reflected in glass in an upper concourse as Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Austria's Filip Misolic during a third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Fans are reflected in glass in an upper concourse as Serbia's Novak Djokovic serves against Austria's Filip Misolic during a third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti casts his shadow on the court as he bounces the ball before serving to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Lorenzo Musetti casts his shadow on the court as he bounces the ball before serving to Argentina's Mariano Navone during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ben Shelton of the U.S. returns the ball to Italy's Matteo Gigante during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Ben Shelton of the U.S. returns the ball to Italy's Matteo Gigante during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini stretches to return the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini stretches to return the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A ball casts its shadow on the arm of Ben Shelton of the U.S. as he plays Italy's Matteo Gigante , during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A ball casts its shadow on the arm of Ben Shelton of the U.S. as he plays Italy's Matteo Gigante , during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The sun sets during the second round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and Emilio Nava of the United States at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

The sun sets during the second round match of the French Tennis Open between Denmark's Holger Rune and Emilio Nava of the United States at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini prepares to serve the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jasmine Paolini prepares to serve the ball to Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Poland's Iga Swiatek is seen through a fence as she serves against Romania's Jaqueline Cristian during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Poland's Iga Swiatek is seen through a fence as she serves against Romania's Jaqueline Cristian during their third round match of the French Tennis Open, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A ball boy follows the fourth round match of the French Tennis Open between China's Zheng Qinwen and Russia's Liudmila Samsonova, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A ball boy follows the fourth round match of the French Tennis Open between China's Zheng Qinwen and Russia's Liudmila Samsonova, at the Roland-Garros stadium, in Paris, Sunday, June 1 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The evening sun hits the stands during a second-round match between Britain's Jack Draper and France's Gael Monfils in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

The evening sun hits the stands during a second-round match between Britain's Jack Draper and France's Gael Monfils in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jannik Sinner serves against France's Arthur Rinderknech during a first-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Italy's Jannik Sinner serves against France's Arthur Rinderknech during a first-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Monday, May 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Serbia's Novak Djokovic wipes his face during a third-round match against Austria's Filip Misolic in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Serbia's Novak Djokovic wipes his face during a third-round match against Austria's Filip Misolic in the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva looks to return the ball against Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Ukraine's Yulia Starodubtseva looks to return the ball against Italy's Jasmine Paolini during their third-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Friday, May 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Britain's Jack Draper prepares to serve against France's Gael Monfils during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Britain's Jack Draper prepares to serve against France's Gael Monfils during a second-round match of the French Tennis Open at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Thursday, May 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The head of Iran’s judiciary signaled Wednesday there would be fast trials and executions ahead for those detained in nationwide protests despite a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump.

The comments from Iran’s judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei come as activists had warned hangings of those detained could come soon. Already, a bloody security force crackdown on the demonstrations has killed at least 2,571, the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported. That figure dwarfs the death toll from any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades and recalls the chaos surrounding the country’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Trump repeatedly has warned that the United States may take military action over the killing of peaceful protesters, just months after it bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day war launched by Israel against the Islamic Republic in June.

Meanwhile Wednesday, Iran held a mass funeral of some 100 security force members killed in the demonstrations after authorities earlier said it would be 300. Tens of thousands of mourners attended, holding Iranian flags and photos of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The caskets, covered in Iranian flags, stood stacked at least three high. Red and white roses and framed photographs of people who were killed covered them.

People elsewhere remained fearful in the streets. Plainclothes security forces still milled around some neighborhoods, though anti-riot police and members of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard's all-volunteer Basij force appeared to have been sent back to their barracks.

“We are very frightened because of these sounds (of gunfire) and protests,” said one mother of two children shopping for fruits and vegetables Wednesday, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. “We have heard many are killed and many are injured. Now peace has been restored but schools are closed and I’m scared to send my children to school again.”

Ahmadreza Tavakoli, 36, told The Associated Press he witnessed one demonstration in Tehran and was shocked by the use of firearms by authorities.

“People were out to express themselves and protest, but quickly it turned into a war zone,” Tavakoli said. “The people do not have guns. Only the security forces have guns.”

Mohseni-Ejei made the comment in a video shared by Iranian state television online.

“If we want to do a job, we should do it now. If we want to do something, we have to do it quickly,” he said. “If it becomes late, two months, three months later, it doesn’t have the same effect. If we want to do something, we have to do that fast.”

His comments stand as a direct challenge to Trump, who warned Iran about executions an interview with CBS aired Tuesday.

“We will take very strong action,” Trump said. “If they do such a thing, we will take very strong action.”

“We don’t want to see what’s happening in Iran happen. And you know, if they want to have protests, that’s one thing, when they start killing thousands of people, and now you’re telling me about hanging — we’ll see how that works out for them. It’s not going to work out good.”

One Arab Gulf diplomat told the AP that major Mideast governments had been discouraging the Trump administration from launching a war now with Iran, fearing “unprecedented consequences” for the region that could explode into a “full-blown war.” The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak to journalists.

Meanwhile, activists said Wednesday that Starlink was offering free service in Iran. The satellite internet service has been key in getting around an internet shutdown launched by the theocracy on Jan. 8. Iran began allowing people to call out internationally on Tuesday via their mobile phones, but calls from people outside the country into Iran remain blocked.

“We can confirm that the free subscription for Starlink terminals is fully functional,” said Mehdi Yahyanejad, a Los Angeles-based activist who has helped get the units into Iran. “We tested it using a newly activated Starlink terminal inside Iran.”

Starlink itself did not immediately acknowledge the decision.

Security service personnel also apparently were searching for Starlink dishes, as people in northern Tehran reported authorities raiding apartment buildings with satellite dishes. While satellite television dishes are illegal, many in the capital have them in homes, and officials broadly had given up on enforcing the law in recent years.

The Human Rights Activists News Agency said 2,403 of the dead were protesters and 147 were government-affiliated. Twelve children were killed, along with nine civilians it said were not taking part in protests. More than 18,100 people have been detained, the group said.

Gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult, and the AP has been unable to independently assess the toll given the communications being disrupted in the country.

Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.

FILE - This frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP, File)

FILE - This frame grab from footage circulating on social media shows protesters dancing and cheering around a bonfire as they take to the streets despite an intensifying crackdown as the Islamic Republic remains cut off from the rest of the world, in Tehran, Iran, Jan. 9, 2026. (UGC via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a ceremony to mark the Shiite holiday of Eid al-Ghadir, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 25, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File)

FILE - In this photo released by an official website of the office of the Iranian supreme leader, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks in a ceremony to mark the Shiite holiday of Eid al-Ghadir, in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, June 25, 2024. (Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader via AP, File)

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