Credited from: REUTERS
US President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that he was informed the "killing in Iran is stopping," claiming a cessation of executions related to the ongoing protests against the Iranian government. Trump's remarks were delivered at the White House, where he asserted, "We've been told that the killing in Iran is stopping - it's stopped - it's stopping," emphasizing he had received this information from "very important sources on the other side," although he refrained from specifying the sources, according to aa and cbsnews.
Despite Trump's assertion, Iranian officials signaled a different reality, indicating fast-track trials and potential executions for detained protestors. President Trump acknowledged the contrasting information but expressed his hope that the reports of halted violence were accurate, noting, "I hope it’s true, who knows?" This complicated situation arises as Iran's judiciary chief called for quick trials for over 18,000 detained individuals amidst the crackdown on dissent, implying an increase in state-sponsored violence, according to indiatimes and channelnewsasia.
Reports indicate a staggering death toll of at least 3,428 from the Iranian crackdown on protests, with various human rights organizations documenting significant violence and repression against civilians. Trump's comments come at a time when tensions between the US and Iran are steadily increasing, as military options remain on the table. He has previously warned of "very strong action" if the Iranian regime carries through with threats to execute protestors, according to reuters, scmp, and channelnewsasia.