US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he has received credible information indicating that Iranian authorities have ceased the lethal suppression of anti-government demonstrators, including any plans for executions.
Addressing reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been informed by “very important sources on the other side” that the killings had stopped. He described receiving a “very good statement” from Iranian channels and said the administration would continue to monitor the situation closely. While he did not explicitly rule out future military options, Trump noted, “We are going to watch what the process is.”
The comments mark a noticeable shift from recent weeks, when Trump repeatedly warned Tehran of severe repercussions—including potential US strikes—if the violent response to protests persisted or if executions proceeded. Analysts suggest the remarks provide a pathway for Washington to step back from the brink of confrontation without appearing to back down.
The unrest began in late December, sparked by shopkeepers protesting the sharp decline in the Iranian rial’s value and surging living expenses amid broader economic hardship. Demonstrations quickly expanded across the country, transforming into widespread calls challenging the government and prompting an intense security crackdown.
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Iranian state media reported more than 100 security personnel killed during two weeks of unrest. In contrast, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency has confirmed over 2,400 protester deaths, along with more than 150 security forces and government supporters. Amnesty International released findings on Wednesday documenting evidence of mass unlawful killings since January 8, describing a coordinated escalation in lethal force against largely peaceful demonstrators and bystanders. Verified audiovisual material showed security personnel firing directly at fleeing crowds, resulting in severe injuries including gunshot wounds to the head and eyes.
Iran has been under a near-total telecommunications blackout for more than 144 hours, as tracked by NetBlocks, severely restricting independent reporting from inside the country.
In an interview with Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any intention to carry out executions, stating there is “no plan for hanging at all” and that “hanging is out of the question.” He asserted that calm had returned following an initial “terrorist operation” and that the government maintains full control.
Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Mohammad Pakpour, quoted by state television, declared Iran ready to respond “decisively” to threats from the US and Israel, accusing both of orchestrating the protests and labeling Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “murderers of the youth of Iran.”
The US has initiated the withdrawal of select personnel from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as regional tensions rise. Observers note that Trump’s assessment may represent an effort to de-escalate while preserving leverage, consistent with his stated reluctance to become entangled in extended Middle East conflicts.
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