The United States government made a significant claim on Thursday. Officials stated that Iran halted 800 planned executions. This action came after direct pressure from President Donald Trump. The American leader warned Tehran about its harsh crackdown on nationwide protests.
White House Confirms Development
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters with this information. She confirmed the scheduled executions did not proceed as planned. "The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted," Leavitt stated clearly.
She emphasized that all options remain available to President Trump. This includes potential military action. The press secretary repeated Trump's warning about "grave consequences" for Iran. She said this would apply if the killing of demonstrators continues in the country.
Gulf States Launch Diplomatic Push
Regional allies grew increasingly concerned about rising tensions. They feared the situation could trigger direct confrontation between the US and Iran. Senior officials from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman spearheaded an urgent diplomatic effort.
These Gulf states mounted what one official called "a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort." Their goal was convincing President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intentions. The official requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
A second Gulf official corroborated this account. The diplomatic outreach included a warning to Tehran as well. Any Iranian strike on US facilities in the region would "have consequences," according to this official.
Internet Blackout Continues
Meanwhile, Iranian authorities continue a nationwide internet shutdown. This blackout has now entered its seventh consecutive day. Activists fear the shutdown is intended to conceal the scale of the government crackdown.
Internet monitoring group Netblocks confirmed the situation. "Exactly one week ago... Iran fell into digital darkness as authorities imposed a national internet blackout," the group stated in a social media post.
New US Sanctions Announced
The United States announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iranian officials. These individuals stand accused of repressing protests that challenge Iran's theocratic leadership.
Among those sanctioned is the secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for National Security. The US Treasury Department accuses this official of being among the first to call for violence against protesters.
The Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated 18 additional individuals and companies. These entities allegedly laundered money from Iranian oil sales. They used a shadow banking network linked to sanctioned institutions Bank Melli and Shahr Bank.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the administration's position clear. "The United States stands firmly behind the Iranian people in their call for freedom and justice," Bessent stated. He added that Treasury "will use every tool to target those behind the regime's tyrannical oppression of human rights."
Background of the Protests
The protests erupted on December 28 following the collapse of Iran's rial currency. The country's economy has come under severe pressure from international sanctions. These sanctions relate in part to Iran's nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a different account during a television interview. He said the protests began peacefully and the government engaged with protesters initially. However, after the tenth day, "terrorist elements led from outside" appeared, according to Araghchi. He claimed this outside interference turned the demonstrations violent.
Maximum Pressure Campaign
In February, President Trump reimposed a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran. This initiative aims to block Iran's development of nuclear weapons. It has included US-led strikes on three major Iranian enrichment facilities.
While the threat of US retaliation continues to loom, Trump has signaled possible de-escalation. The president noted the killing of protesters appears to be ending. The new sanctions bar targeted individuals from accessing US property or financial assets. They also prohibit US citizens and companies from doing business with these entities.
US officials acknowledge these measures are largely symbolic. Many of those sanctioned do not hold assets in American institutions. The White House said President Trump is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. This statement came as regional diplomacy intensified to prevent further escalation.
