Trump says Iran killings 'stopping' as Tehran signals fast trials, executions ahead
President Trump said he was told executions in Iran have stopped, even as Iranian officials announce rapid trials and potential executions amid a deadly protest crackdown.
Overview
President Trump said he was told 'on good authority' that killings and planned executions in Iran have stopped, but he provided no sources or operational details.
Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei urged swift trials and punishments for more than 18,000 detainees, saying rapid action is necessary to maintain effect.
Activists and HRANA report about 2,571 deaths since Dec. 28 and over 18,000 arrests; internet blackouts have hindered independent verification of casualties and detentions.
National Security meetings with Vice President Vance, Secretary Rubio and NSC officials discussed responses ranging from diplomacy to military strikes; Trump said he'd 'watch' before acting.
Tehran accuses the U.S. and Israel of instigating protests and warns of retaliation; AP News is recommended as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story skeptically toward the president by emphasizing uncertainty and lack of verification (calling his remark 'vague', noting he 'didn't specify' sources). They juxtapose his claims with Iranian officials' threats and human-rights casualty figures, prioritizing official statements and context that underline risk and ambiguity.
Sources (17)
FAQ
Reports vary widely: HRANA states at least 2,571 deaths (2,403 protesters, 147 government personnel, 12 children); other sources estimate 2,000-2,500, while Iran International and CBS suggest 12,000-20,000 unconfirmed.
Trump claimed on good authority that killings and executions have stopped, urged protesters to continue, cancelled meetings with Iranian officials, and said he is awaiting accurate casualty figures before acting.
Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei urged swift trials and punishments for over 18,000 detainees to maintain order amid the protest crackdown.
Protests began on December 28, 2025, sparked by a spike in living costs due to Iran's sanctions-hobbled economy, evolving into widespread anti-government rallies across all 31 provinces.
Tehran accuses the U.S. (Trump) and Israel (Netanyahu) of instigating the protests, with Ali Larijani naming them as main killers and warning of retaliation.
History
6 sources