WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Friday thanked Iranian authorities for apparently suspending executions of anti-government protesters, linking the decision to a possible delay in US military action against Iran.
“As you know, Iran canceled the hanging of over 800 people,” Trump said before departing for Palm Beach, Florida. “They were going to hang over 800 people yesterday, and I greatly respect the fact that they canceled that.”
“Thank you!” Trump posted on Truth Social earlier Friday, saying the executions were canceled. Tehran’s judiciary appears to have retreated from previous threats to subject protesters to fast trials and death sentences — a move analysts say was made in an effort to dial back tensions with Washington.
After promising on Jan. 2 to come to the “rescue” of Iranian protesters and later pledging “help is on its way,” Trump has signaled restraint in recent days following warnings from Israel and Gulf partners that a US strike on Iran could provoke retaliatory attacks on American military bases in their countries, according to US reports.
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