Trump Claims Iran Has Ceased Protest Executions
Former United States President Donald Trump made a significant statement on Wednesday, January 14. He declared that he received information indicating Iran has stopped executing protesters. Trump emphasized this point during a public address, citing what he called "good authority" for his claims.
Social Media Post Fuels Military Speculation
Trump's remarks followed a provocative post on his Truth Social account. In that post, he wrote "help was on its way" to Iranian protesters. This message immediately triggered massive speculation about potential US military action against Tehran. Many analysts and observers interpreted the statement as a hint at possible strikes.
The former president directly addressed Iranian citizens in his social media message. He urged them to continue protesting and to take over their institutions. Trump promised assistance was coming, though he did not specify the nature of that help.
Trump's Detailed Comments on the Situation
During his Wednesday statement, Trump provided more details about what he had been told. "We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping, it's stopped, it's stopping," he stated clearly. He added that there were no plans for executions of demonstrators according to his sources.
Trump explained he received this information from "very important sources on the other side." These sources assured him Tehran would no longer carry out hangings of protesters. The former president noted that many people had been discussing potential executions over recent days.
US Military Action Remains Uncertain
When questioned about whether this development meant US military action was off the table, Trump gave a cautious response. "We're gonna watch and see what the process is," he stated. He mentioned receiving a "very good statement" from people who understand the situation in Iran.
Trump also revealed he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials. He made this decision until Iran stopped what he called the "senseless killing" of protesters. In a separate speech, he told Iranians to document the names of those responsible for violence. He warned these individuals would "pay a very big price" for their actions.
Background of the Iranian Protests
The nationwide protests in Iran began due to worsening economic conditions. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the country. Iranian security forces responded with a brutal crackdown that resulted in significant casualties.
An Iranian official told Reuters that approximately 2,000 people had been killed. However, this official blamed "terrorists" for the deaths rather than government forces. The exact number of fatalities remains unclear, with estimates ranging widely.
- The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported confirmed deaths of 1,850 protesters
- They also documented 135 deaths among government affiliates
- Nine uninvolved civilians and nine children were killed according to their records
- These deaths occurred over seventeen days despite an internet blackout in Iran
Different sources provide varying figures for the protest death toll. Some estimates suggest the number could exceed 12,000 casualties. The true extent of the violence remains difficult to verify due to information restrictions within Iran.
