WASHINGTON D.C. January 15, 2026 – The White House announced that Iran has paused approximately 800 scheduled executions of protesters, attributing the decision to direct warnings from President Donald Trump threatening “grave consequences” if the killings continued.
In a White House press briefing on January 15, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the administration had communicated a strong message to the Iranian regime.<
“What I will say, with respect to Iran, is that the President and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues there will be grave consequences,” Leavitt said. She added, “The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted.”
Leavitt emphasized that the U.S. is “closely monitoring” the situation and that “all options remain on the table.”
The claim comes amid historic anti-government protests in Iran that began in late December 2025 over severe economic hardships, including currency devaluation, and have escalated into widespread calls for the end of the Islamic Republic’s theocratic rule.
Reports indicate thousands of deaths during the regime’s crackdown, with security forces accused of using lethal force against unarmed demonstrators. An internet blackout has limited information flow from inside the country.
President Trump has actively supported the protesters on social media and in public statements, previously declaring that “help is on the way” and urging Iranians to continue their demonstrations.
The U.S. has imposed fresh sanctions on Iranian officials linked to the suppression efforts.
While the White House presented the reported halt in executions as a direct result of U.S. pressure, some reports suggest the protests have been largely suppressed through mass arrests and repression, with the regime possibly pausing visible executions temporarily to avoid escalation.
The situation remains fluid, with international attention focused on whether the pause signals a de-escalation or a tactical regrouping by Tehran.
About The Author
