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Iranian Prosecutor Rejects Trump’s Claim of 800 Executions Halted Amid Ongoing Crackdown

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Prosecutor Refutes Execution‑Halt Claim On 23 January, Iran’s top prosecutor Mohammad Movahedi told the Mizan news agency that the allegation of “800 prisoners spared” is “completely false” and that no judicial decision has been made to stop any executions [1]. His denial directly contradicts statements made by former President Donald Trump and the White House, which have suggested a pause in hangings. The prosecutor’s comment underscores the Iranian judiciary’s independence from political rhetoric.

Trump Insists Iran Cancelled Hundreds of Hangings Trump publicly thanked Iran for “canceling the hanging of over 800 people” in remarks on 16 January, repeating the figure on social media and framing the move as a diplomatic win [3][4]. Both the AP and Newsweek reports record his praise despite the lack of official Iranian confirmation. The president’s narrative positions the United States as influencing Tehran’s internal security decisions.

Death Toll Figures Diverge Among Sources Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) cited a death count of 2,797 protesters on 16 January, while activists quoted in the 23 January AP piece claim at least 5,032 dead, including over 4,700 demonstrators [1][3][4]. Iran’s government has not released an official tally, leaving the true casualty number uncertain. The disparity highlights challenges in verification amid nationwide internet blackouts.

International and Military Responses Escalate UN Human Rights Council rapporteur Volker Türk warned that Iran remains among the world’s top executioners, noting roughly 1,500 executions in the previous year and a rising pace since 2024 [1]. Meanwhile, the United States deployed the Lincoln strike group to the Indian Ocean and Britain sent a Eurofighter Typhoon squadron to the Gulf as precautionary measures [1]. A White House official said Trump was closely monitoring the situation and kept “all options on the table” if executions resumed [1].

Hard‑Line Clerical Rhetoric and Exiled Opposition Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, in a 17 January sermon, called for the death penalty against detained protesters and labeled them “butlers of Netanyahu” and “Trump’s soldiers” [2][3]. Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi used the same period to urge U.S. intervention, promising to return if the regime falls [2][3][4]. Both voices illustrate the polarized domestic and diaspora narratives surrounding the crackdown.

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Timeline

1979 – The Islamic Revolution topples the Shah and establishes the Islamic Republic, creating the theocratic political system that frames today’s protest‑government clash [10].

June 2024 – The United States carries out air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in response to concerns over a weapons program, a precedent cited by Tehran’s foreign minister when warning Washington against repeat actions [2].

Dec 28 2025 – Nationwide protests erupt across Iran demanding political reforms, quickly spreading to about 180 cities and triggering a severe security crackdown [6].

Jan 13 2026 – President Trump tells CBS News the United States will take “very strong action” if Iran executes protesters, warning “you’ll see some things” and hinting at possible military options [4].

Jan 14 2026 – Iran’s judiciary chief Mohseni‑Ejei declares fast‑track trials and executions for detained demonstrators, while Trump claims at the White House that the killings are stopping and there is “no plan for executions,” citing “very important sources” [13][12].

Jan 15 2026 – The UN Security Council convenes an emergency session at the U.S. request as HRANA reports at least 2,615 protester deaths, the highest toll since the 1979 revolution; the G7 issues a joint statement warning of further sanctions if the crackdown continues [10].

Jan 15 2026 – The United States begins a partial withdrawal of personnel from Qatar’s Al‑Udeid air base as a precaution, while Trump says he has been told “on good authority” that the killings have stopped, celebrates the lifting of shopkeeper Erfan Soltani’s death sentence, and asserts Iran “has no plan for executions” [2][5][11].

Jan 16 2026 – Trump publicly thanks Iran for canceling over 800 hangings, posting “Thank you!” on social media; HRANA’s death toll rises to 2,797, exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi urges fresh weekend protests, and Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami denounces demonstrators as “Trump’s soldiers” in a Friday sermon [6][9].

Jan 17 2026 – In a Friday sermon, Ayatollah Khatami calls for the execution of detained protesters, while Trump reiterates his gratitude for the halted hangings and stresses that mass executions remain a red line for U.S. action; the internet blackout continues to choke communications [8].

Jan 23 2026 – Iran’s top prosecutor Mohammad Movahedi rejects Trump’s claim that 800 prisoners were spared, while activists estimate the death toll exceeds 5,000 and 27,600 arrests; the U.S. positions the Lincoln strike group in the Indian Ocean and Britain deploys a Eurofighter Typhoon squadron to the Gulf as regional tensions rise, and the UN Human Rights Council hears warnings about Iran’s execution record [7].

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