Trump Says Iran Has Halted Over 800 Executions Amid Unrest
US President Donald Trump said Tehran cancelled mass hangings at the last moment, as Washington closely monitors Iran’s crackdown on protests sparked by economic distress.
US, Jan 17 : President Donald Trump on Friday said the Iranian government had halted the planned execution of more than 800 people, a move he said he “greatly respects,” amid rising international concern over Tehran’s handling of nationwide protests.
Speaking to reporters on the South Lawn of the White House, Trump said the executions were cancelled at the last moment. “Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people. They were going to hang over 800 people yesterday, and I greatly respect the fact that they cancelled them,” he said.
The remarks come against the backdrop of escalating protests in Iran and mounting scrutiny of the government’s response. Demonstrations erupted across the country following economic pressures and have since evolved into broader expressions of public anger against Iran’s leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Trump’s comments followed days of strong warnings from Washington. Earlier this week, the US President had threatened possible intervention, though he later said the killing of protesters appeared to have stopped. On Wednesday, he said the United States would “watch and see” before taking any military action.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration remains on high alert. “The President and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences,” she said. “The President understands that 800 executions scheduled for yesterday were halted, and the situation is being closely monitored. All options remain on the table.”
The unrest in Iran began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar after the national currency, the rial, fell to record lows. Protests rapidly spread nationwide, fuelled by worsening economic conditions including high inflation, unemployment, power cuts, water shortages and rising living costs.
What initially began as protests over economic hardship has since widened into broader opposition to the government’s leadership and policies.
Amid the deteriorating security situation, the Indian government has advised its citizens in Iran to leave the country. New Delhi said it is closely tracking developments and remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian nationals.
