Iran paused 800 executions after Trump's warning, White House claims
What's the story
The White House has confirmed that Iran has halted plans to execute 800 people after US President Donald Trump intervened. The decision comes amid widespread anti-government protests in Iran, which have reportedly left over 2,600 dead, according to some human rights groups. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump and his team had issued a "direct warning" to Iranian officials, linking the proposed executions to what Washington calls violent repression of demonstrators.
Warning issued
Trump warns Iran of 'grave consequences'
Leavitt said, "The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted." She added, "All options remain on the table for the president." Trump has warned Tehran of "grave consequences" if killings related to protests continue. Leavitt said Trump has been closely monitoring developments in Iran and received assurances from Iranian officials that executions would stop.
Denial issued
Iran denies plans for hangings
Iran has also signaled it would not move ahead with executing protesters. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied plans for hangings in connection with the protests. He said such punishment was "out of the question." The unrest in Iran started over rising prices but has turned into one of the biggest challenges to the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
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