Iran Halts 800 Death Sentences Following Trump’s Warning, U.S. Strike Threat Eases

Amid escalating protests over inflation and widespread unrest, Iran has reportedly suspended 800 death sentences after a stern warning from U.S. President Donald Trump, raising questions about whether Tehran has eased its stance in the face of international pressure.

Mass Protests Across Iran
Since December 28, 2025, Iranians have taken to the streets in over 100 cities to protest rising prices. Human rights organizations report that more than 2,800 protesters have been killed during the crackdown, making it one of the deadliest waves of civil unrest in the country in decades.

Trump’s Warning and U.S. Military Posture
The White House confirmed that following Trump’s warnings, the Iranian government delayed executing 800 protesters who had been scheduled for death. U.S. authorities had indicated that any mass executions could prompt military action. To underscore this threat, the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln was deployed from the South China Sea toward the Middle East.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt said, “President Trump and his team issued direct warnings to Iranian officials linking the planned executions to violent suppression of protesters. Washington viewed these executions as part of ongoing human rights abuses.”

Executions Suspended
Leavitt confirmed in a briefing that the scheduled executions were halted: “The president has been informed that the 800 executions planned for yesterday have been postponed. All options remain open for the administration.” The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on five senior Iranian officials accused of orchestrating violent crackdowns on protesters and has begun tracking financial transfers from Tehran’s leaders to foreign banks, potentially allowing further asset freezes.

The White House emphasized that Trump is closely monitoring the situation inside Iran. “Iranian officials have provided assurances that the executions and killings will cease,” Leavitt said. One such case involved 26-year-old protester Irfan Soltani, whose scheduled execution drew global condemnation. His family confirmed that his sentence has now been postponed, though Iranian state broadcaster IRIB did not report the death sentence being officially overturned.

Implications
The suspension of mass executions, following Trump’s warnings and the threat of U.S. military intervention, marks a rare instance of Tehran appearing to yield under external pressure. Observers suggest this move could temporarily ease tensions in the region, though protests and unrest continue.