Trump says killings of Iran protesters have stopped, executions halted
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he received assurances that deaths in Iran have ceased and no executions are planned, as the country faces widespread antigovernment protests.
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United States President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he has been assured the killings of antigovernment protesters in Iran have stopped and that planned executions have been halted.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated he had been told "by a reliable source" that "killings in Iran are stopping, they have stopped" and that "there are no plans to execute" detainees. The comments came hours after the U.S. began withdrawing some personnel from an airbase in Qatar amid growing concerns about a potential renewed U.S.-Iran conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated there is "no plan" for executions by Tehran, according to reports.
Trump said he would "watch" and "see what the process" would be regarding potential U.S. military action. He added that he would be "very upset" if the information proved false and violent repression continued.
The assurances come after days of brutal crackdowns on protesters in Iran. According to human rights organizations, the death toll from the government's response to antigovernment demonstrations has risen significantly. Estimates indicate more than 3,400 people have died and over 10,000 have been arrested during the repression of what are considered the largest protests in the country in 25 years.
The demonstrations have been ongoing for approximately two weeks. Among those facing execution was Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old Iranian who was arrested on January 8 on accusations of connections to the protests. He was convicted of a capital offense in a rapid trial without legal representation or access to a lawyer. His execution, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, was postponed, though officials did not confirm whether it would ultimately be carried out.
Trump had previously threatened a strong response if the crackdowns continued, stating that "help is on the way" in a direct message to demonstrators. His latest comments signal a more measured approach to the crisis after days of escalating rhetoric regarding potential U.S. intervention.