Trump Says Iran Halting Executions; Tehran Claims ‘Full Control’ As 3,400 Killed | Top Points

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 08:01 IST

Trump's claims came amid heightened tensions as the United States signalled possible action against Iran over widespread protests, which has killed more than 3,400 people.

Tensions have increased over possible US action against Iran over executions linked to the unrest. (AFP/File)

As the world sits on edge over possible US military action against Iran, President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he had been told “on good authority" that Tehran has stopped its plans for fast trials and executions as widespread protests have left over 3,400 dead.

“We’ve been told that the killing in Iran is stopping — it’s stopped — it’s stopping," Trump said. “And there’s no plan for executions, or an execution, or executions — so I’ve been told that on good authority."

Trump’s claims came after he called on protesters to take over institutions and said “help was on the way", which heightened tensions as Western countries criticised the violence and warned Tehran against executions linked to the unrest.

Iran Human Rights, based in Norway, said security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, exceeding that of any other round of protest or unrest in Iran in decades, while over 10,000 have been arrested. On the other hand, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency said at least 2,586 people have been killed.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday there would not be any “hanging today or tomorrow," despite earlier vows from Tehran to fast-track trials for protesters. “I can tell you, I’m confident that there is no plan for hanging," he told Fox News.

‘We’re In Full Control,’ Says Iran

Despite the threat of US action, Araghchi claimed that the Iranian government was in full control. “After three days of terrorist operation, now there is a calm. We are in full control," he said.

This came following reports that the United States has begun withdrawing some personnel from key military bases in the region as a precaution. Qatar said some US personnel had been told to leave the largest American base over “regional tensions". Meanwhile, the US embassy in Saudi Arabia advised staff to exercise caution and avoid military sites.

The alerts issued across oil-rich Gulf states – many of them key US allies that host American bases and assets -rekindled concerns that the region could once again be drawn into a US–Iran confrontation. Saudi Arabia has already informed Iran that it will not allow its airspace or territory to be used for any attack.

A US official told Reuters that the move was driven by rising tensions after Iran warned neighbouring countries that American bases could be targeted if Washington carries out strikes. Two European officials believe US military intervention could come within the next 24 hours.

UK Temporarily Closes Tehran Embassy

Meanwhile, the British embassy in Iran’s capital Tehran, has been “temporarily closed", according to the government in London. “We have temporarily closed the British Embassy in Tehran, this will now operate remotely," a government spokesperson said.

It said British staff have been withdrawn “due to the security situation." The government had already advised British citizens against travelling to Iran. Additionally, Germany saw widespread protests as Iranians and Germans held demonstrations against the clerical establishment.

Meanwhile, Iran issued an order on early Thursday to close its airspace, without explanation. The flight-tracking website FlightRadar24.com noted the order closed Iran’s airspace for a little more than two hours.

Jaishankar Discusses Iran Tensions

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said he received a phone call from his Iranian counterpart Araghchi, with the two discussing the evolving situation in and around Iran. Araghchi also held a phone call with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to discuss regional and international developments and bilateral ties.

This came as several countries advised their nationals to leave Iran amid the possibility of a wider conflict due to possible US involvement. Spain’s foreign ministry on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Iran as hundreds of people were killed due to the crackdown enforced by security forces.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Moscow and Tehran maintain strong relations that cannot be affected by any third party, as Donald Trump announced 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran.

(with inputs from agencies)

News world Trump Says Iran Halting Executions; Tehran Claims ‘Full Control’ As 3,400 Killed | Top Points

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