Iran Halted 800 Protester Executions Under US Pressure

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a press briefing in the Brady Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on January 15, 2026.

The United States said on Thursday that Iran halted the execution of around 800 protesters following pressure from President Donald Trump, amid heightened international concern over Tehran’s crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.

The announcement came as Washington stepped back from immediate military action, though the White House stressed that all options remained available. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that executions scheduled to take place earlier this week were stopped after President Trump warned Iran of “grave consequences” if killings continued.

Iran has been rocked by some of the largest anti-government protests in the history of the Islamic republic. While demonstrations have appeared to ease in recent days, this has coincided with heavy repression and a week-long internet blackout.

Alongside diplomatic pressure, the US Treasury announced new sanctions targeting Iranian officials, adding to existing restrictions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme. Those sanctions have already strained Iran’s economy, which analysts say helped fuel public unrest.

The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights said at least 3,428 protesters had been killed by security forces, warning the final toll could be significantly higher.

President Trump said he had received assurances from sources in the region that executions would not proceed. Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman, reportedly played a key role in urging restraint, fearing wider regional fallout. A senior Gulf official said the countries mounted last-minute diplomatic efforts to convince Washington to give Iran a chance to show goodwill, while also warning Tehran against attacking US facilities.

Iranian authorities have described protesters as “rioters” backed by foreign powers and pledged swift justice, raising fears among rights groups of mass executions. However, Iranian officials later said that Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old protester whose case had drawn international attention, had not been sentenced to death and instead faced charges carrying a prison term.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told US media there would be “no hanging today or tomorrow,” while insisting the government remained in control. President Trump welcomed the development, calling it “good news” and expressing hope it would continue.

The diplomatic activity unfolded ahead of a UN Security Council meeting on Iran requested by the United States. Switzerland, which represents US interests in Iran, also offered to help de-escalate tensions, while several countries voiced concern over the crackdown.

Despite restrictions on internet access, videos circulating online and verified by independent sources showed scenes of mourning and anger in several Iranian cities. Canada confirmed that one of its citizens was killed during the unrest, saying the death occurred at the hands of Iranian authorities.

The situation remains fluid as international pressure mounts and attention turns to whether Iran’s halt to executions will be sustained.