US President Donald Trump has stated that he has been informed “the killing in Iran has stopped”, amid growing international concern over Tehran’s violent crackdown on anti-government protesters. While Trump acknowledged the reduction in violence, he did not rule out the possibility of military action should the situation deteriorate.
Background: Deadly Crackdown on Iranian Protesters
According to multiple human rights groups, over 2,400 people have been killed in Iran since nationwide protests erupted in late December 2025. The unrest began over the collapse of the Iranian currency but quickly evolved into a broader challenge to the authority of Iran’s clerical leadership.
Among the protesters, Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old shop owner from Fardis near Tehran, drew international attention after reports suggested he had been sentenced to death following his arrest. However, his family later confirmed that his execution had been postponed, and Iranian state media denied any death sentence, stating he had merely been arrested in connection with protests.
Trump Comments on the Situation
Speaking from the White House, Trump claimed that his administration had been told “on good authority” that “the killing in Iran is stopping, and there are no plans for executions.” He emphasized that these updates came from “very important sources on the other side” and expressed hope that the reports were accurate.
The former president previously threatened “very strong action” if Iranian authorities carried out executions of protesters, reflecting longstanding US concerns over human rights violations in Tehran.
International Security Measures
The US and UK have both taken precautionary steps amid fears of escalating instability. At the Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar—the largest US military facility in the Middle East with about 10,000 personnel—both countries reduced personnel numbers temporarily. Officials described the withdrawal as a precautionary measure, with the exact number of departing staff unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, the UK Foreign Office has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, now operating remotely, while Germany, Italy, and Poland have issued travel advisories urging their citizens to leave Iran. Lufthansa confirmed that it would reroute flights around Iranian and Iraqi airspace “until further notice.”
The US Mission in Saudi Arabia similarly advised increased caution and limited travel to non-essential military sites in the region.
Iranian Government Response
Iranian authorities have repeatedly downplayed reports of executions. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that “hanging is out of the question” and warned the US against repeating the June 2025 bombing of Iranian nuclear sites, which targeted three facilities over fears of nuclear weapon development.
Despite these assurances, the country remains under a near-total internet blackout, and international media are largely unable to report from inside Iran, making independent verification of casualties and arrests challenging.
Trump on Iranian Opposition and Regime Stability
Trump stopped short of endorsing any specific opposition figure, including Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, acknowledging that he did not know how Pahlavi would be received domestically.
However, Trump noted the potential for regime change, stating that “any regime can fail,” reflecting the growing pressure on Iran’s leadership from widespread demonstrations.
Human Rights Concerns
The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has reported 2,435 confirmed deaths, including 13 children, with an additional 882 cases under investigation. These figures underscore the scale and severity of the Iranian government’s crackdown, which has drawn condemnation from governments and human rights organizations worldwide.
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump claims he has been told “the killing in Iran has stopped”.
- Over 2,400 protesters have reportedly died in recent demonstrations, according to human rights groups.
- Erfan Soltani, a protester previously reported to face execution, had his case postponed.
- The US and UK have reduced personnel at Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, citing precautionary measures.
- Iran’s internet blackout and restricted media access make verifying reports challenging.
- Travel advisories have been issued by the UK, Germany, Italy, and Poland due to regional security concerns.
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