Iran Stopped Executions of 800 Protesters: White House

The United States said on Thursday that Iran halted the planned execution of 800 protesters following pressure from President Donald Trump, as Gulf allies moved to dissuade him from launching military action over Tehran’s violent crackdown on demonstrations.

Iran has faced some of the largest anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic’s history over the past week, though unrest has eased in recent days amid heavy repression and a nationwide internet shutdown.

Despite stepping back from immediate military action, the White House said “all options remain on the table.”

“The president understands that 800 executions that were scheduled to take place yesterday were halted,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that Trump had warned Tehran of “grave consequences” if the killing of demonstrators continued.

Washington also announced fresh sanctions on Iranian officials on Thursday, adding to sweeping restrictions already imposed over Iran’s nuclear programme—sanctions that have deepened the economic hardship that helped fuel the protests.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights said on Wednesday that at least 3,428 protesters had been killed by Iranian security forces, warning that the final toll was likely to be far higher.

Trump said on Wednesday that he had received assurances from “very important sources on the other side” that the executions would not proceed, as Gulf states scrambled to steer him away from military strikes.

A senior Saudi official told AFP that Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman led urgent diplomatic efforts to convince Trump to give Iran time to show restraint, citing fears of “grave regional consequences.” A second Gulf official confirmed the talks and said Iran was also warned against attacking US regional assets.

Asked about reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urged caution, Leavitt confirmed Trump had spoken with him but declined to disclose details of their conversation.

Iranian authorities have accused “rioters” backed by Israel and the United States of fomenting unrest and pledged swift justice—raising fears among rights groups of mass executions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Saudi counterpart in a phone call on Thursday that Tehran would defend itself against “any foreign threat.” Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, informed Iran it would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for attacks.

Switzerland, which represents US interests in Iran, said Iranian security chief Ali Larijani spoke with a senior Swiss diplomat as Bern offered to help de-escalate tensions. Switzerland later summoned Iran’s ambassador to express “grave concern” over the crackdown.

The developments came ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Iran requested by the United States.

Attention had focused on Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester detained near Tehran, whom rights groups feared would be executed. Iran’s judiciary later said Soltani had not been sentenced to death and would face imprisonment if convicted.

“There will be no hanging today or tomorrow,” Araghchi told Fox News. Trump welcomed the news, calling it “good” and expressing hope it would continue.

Despite government claims of restored calm, videos verified by AFP showed bodies in a morgue near Tehran and mourners chanting anti-regime slogans at funerals. Canada also confirmed that one of its citizens was killed during the protests.