Trump claims killing in Iran ‘has stopped’, even as Tehran signals executions ahead

Women cross a street under a huge banner showing hands firmly holding Iranian flags in Tehran on Wednesday. Photo: AP

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday made a vague statement that he had been told “on good authority” that plans for executions in Iran have stopped, even as Tehran has indicated fast trials and executions ahead in its crackdown on protesters.

The US president’s claims, which were made with few details, come after he told protesting Iranians in recent days that “help is on the way” and that his administration would “act accordingly” to respond to the Iranian government.

But Trump has not offered any details about how the US might respond and it was not clear if his comments Wednesday indicated he would hold off on action.

“We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping – it’s stopped – it’s stopping,” Trump said at the White House while signing executive orders and legislation.

Empty airspace over Iran during a temporary closure to most flights earlier Thursday. Photo: FlightRadar24.com via Reuters
Empty airspace over Iran during a temporary closure to most flights earlier Thursday. Photo: FlightRadar24.com via Reuters

“And there’s no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions – so I’ve been told that on good authority.”

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