US President Donald Trump on Friday praised Iran’s leadership for cancelling the planned executions of hundreds of protesters detained during a nationwide crackdown. He described the move as an important step amid continuing unrest in the country.
Trump said Iran had called off the scheduled hangings of more than 800 detainees. Reacting to the development, he shared a message on his social media platform, writing, “I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!”
🚨🇺🇸#BREAKING: REPORTER: Is help still on the way for the Iranian protesters?
TRUMP: We are going to see. Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people…I greatly respect the fact that they cancelled that.pic.twitter.com/ZfOXWsJvv4
— 👑 SHAIKH 👑 (@azharfru1) January 16, 2026
Protests Continue Despite Heavy Security Crackdown
Trump’s comments come at a time when protests are still ongoing across Iran. Demonstrations have been met with a strong response from security forces, with clashes reported in several cities as public anger against the government continues to grow.
Trump Says Violence in Iran Appears to Be Slowing
Earlier this week, Trump said there were signs that killings linked to the crackdown were easing. He also suggested that large-scale executions of protesters were no longer being planned.
Speaking during an Oval Office event, Trump said “very important sources on the other side” indicated a slowdown in violence and a move away from mass executions. However, he made it clear that the possibility of US military action had not been ruled out amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Iran Protests Seen as Biggest Challenge Since 1979
The ongoing protests are widely regarded as the most serious internal challenge to Iran’s clerical leadership since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Protesters have demanded the government’s removal and have repeatedly clashed with security forces.
Iranian authorities claim more than 2,000 people have died since the protests began on December 28. Human rights groups, however, estimate the toll to be much higher, putting the number above 3,500. Some reports suggest the death toll could be significantly higher, with figures reaching up to 20,000.
Iran Disputes High Death Toll Estimates
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the higher death toll figures, telling Fox News that the number was “hundreds.” He described the higher estimates as an “exaggeration” and part of a “misinformation campaign” aimed at pushing Trump to carry out threats of military strikes if protesters were killed.
Trump Rejects Claims of External Pressure
Trump also dismissed claims that Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman had persuaded him to avoid military action against Iran. Speaking to reporters later on Friday, Trump insisted the decision was his alone. “Nobody convinced me, I convinced myself,”
He added that Iran’s decision to halt the executions played a major role in shaping his response. “They didn’t hang anyone. They cancelled the hangings. That had a big impact.” Trump made the remarks as he left the White House for a weekend trip to Florida.
