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By Gabe Whisnant
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President Donald Trump on Friday praised Iran for halting what he described as mass executions of political prisoners, calling the move an unexpected gesture as tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for a weekend trip to his Mar‑a‑Lago estate in Florida,
Trump claimed that Iran “canceled the hanging of over 800 people,” adding that he “greatly respect[ed] the fact that they canceled.” He reiterated the figure on his social media platform, posting a brief message that simply read, “Thank you!”
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Why It Matters
Trump’s remarks came after several days in which he warned that the United States might respond militarily if Iran carried out large‑scale killings amid widespread anti‑government protests. Activists say the death toll from the unrest continues to climb, even as the Iranian government has faced international condemnation over its crackdown. Despite Trump’s optimistic framing, the situation in Iran remains fluid and complicated, with no independent confirmation of the mass executions he referenced.
What To Know
Still, the president suggested that the decision not to proceed with the executions had eased the likelihood of a U.S. military strike. His tone Friday was noticeably more restrained than earlier in the week, when he hinted repeatedly that American intervention could be imminent. Asked whether his earlier assurances to Iranian protesters — “Help is on the way” — still held, Trump replied, “Well, we’re going to see.”
Pressed on what prompted him to back away from the implied threat of force, Trump insisted the shift was his own decision. “Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself,” he said, adding that Iran’s apparent cancellation of the executions “had a big impact.”
Trump offered no clarity Friday on whom he contacted inside Iran to verify claims that mass executions had been called off. His uncertainty came even as Iranian authorities, through a sweeping and often brutal crackdown that activists say has left several thousand people dead, appeared to have effectively halted the nationwide demonstrations.
The protests, which began Dec. 28 over economic grievances before shifting into direct opposition to Iran’s ruling theocracy, have largely disappeared. In Tehran, daily life has returned to an outward sense of normalcy despite a week‑long internet blackout.
What People Are Saying
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi on Friday encouraged Iranians to take to the streets again this weekend. In a post on X, the son of the deposed king urged his “brave compatriots” to “raise your voices of anger and protest” Saturday to Monday: “The world sees your courage and will offer clearer and more practical support to your national revolution."
Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, a member of Iran's Assembly of Experts and Guardian Council long known for his hard-line views, described the protesters as the “butlers” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “Trump’s soldiers" in a sermon on Friday. He said Netanyahu and Trump should await "hard revenge from the system."
He added, "Americans and Zionists should not expect peace."
What Happens Next
The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said Friday the death toll had climbed to 2,797 — a figure that continues to rise. Meanwhile, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urged Washington not to retreat from earlier signals of potential intervention, calling Trump “a man of his word.”
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Updates: 1/16/26, 2:52 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Updates: 1/16/26, 5:35 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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