The Iranian government has announced a suspension of executions amid ongoing protests against the regime. US President Donald Trump commented on new information about the end of killings and again threatened severe consequences. Human rights activists report over 3,400 deaths since late December.
Protests in Iran have been ongoing since the end of December 2025, initially targeting the economic crisis but increasingly directed against the theocratic leadership. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced harsh security force action on January 9. On January 8, global internet access was shut down, complicating the information flow.
Human rights groups like Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) in Oslo estimate at least 3,428 demonstrators killed, with the actual number possibly higher. Over 10,000 people have been arrested. Protests have declined: An analysis by the Critical Threats Project (CTP) recorded only seven demonstrations in six provinces on Tuesday, compared to 156 in 27 provinces the previous Thursday. "The extent of brutality could deter demonstrators," the report states.
Tehran experiences tense calm with reduced security presence. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtschi defended the actions as countering foreign interventions, stating peaceful protests escalated due to "trained terrorist elements." The government announced the suspension of executions at 00:50: "Neither today nor tomorrow" will hangings occur.
US President Donald Trump warned on CBS News the previous day: "We will react very hard" if demonstrators are executed. Now, in the White House, he said: "We were told that the killings in Iran are stopping," based on "very important sources on the other side." He hopes it is true. International responses include the closure of the British embassy in Tehran, calls to leave, and Lufthansa rerouting around Iranian airspace. Experts discuss US options like cyberattacks but warn of unpredictable consequences.
