Archive · 17 Jan 2026
Iran Cancels Protester Executions Amid Tensions
Iran decided not to execute over 800 protesters who were arrested during recent protests.
US President Donald Trump thanked Iran for this decision.
However, a powerful Iranian cleric named Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami said the protesters should be punished and threatened the US and Israel.
The protests started in December 2025 because people were upset about the economy and the government.
The US and Iran have been arguing at the United Nations about who is responsible for the violence.
The cleric also said that many mosques were damaged during the protests.
Iran cancelled the executions of over 800 protesters who were scheduled to be hanged.
US President Donald Trump thanked Iran's leadership for calling off the executions.
Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami demanded the death penalty for protesters and threatened the US and Israel.
Protests began on December 28, 2025, over Iran's economy and turned into anti-government demonstrations.
The US and Iran have been trading accusations at the United Nations, with the US warning of possible military action if Iran executes protesters.
- Who
- Iranian leadership, US President Donald Trump, Iranian cleric Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami
- What
- Cancellation of executions of protesters and ongoing tensions
- When
- January 16, 2026
- Where
- Iran, United Nations
- Why
- US threats of military action and Iranian crackdown on protests
- Executions Cancelled
- All scheduled hangings of protesters
- Number of Protesters
- Over 800
- US President
- Donald Trump
- Iranian Cleric
- Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami
- Protest Start Date
- December 28, 2025
- Internet Access Cut
- January 8, 2026
- Reported Deaths
- At least 2,677 people
- Mosques Damaged
- 350 mosques, 126 prayer halls, 20 other holy places
Sources
Explainer-What is the status of Iran’s main nuclear facilities?
Regime change in Iran will be bad for India. The alternative will be worse
Trump delays Iran strike as US tells UN ‘all options on the table’ amid rising tensions
If Trump does not intervene in Iran, it will give send a signal of impunity to the regime
‘12,000 Iranians massacred in 48 hours’: Reza Pahlavi seeks international support to topple Khamenei’s regime
Iranian hardline cleric calls for death penalty to protesters, threatens Trump
After Threats, Trump's Message Of "Respect" For Iran On Hanging Decision
'Thank You': Trump's Message For Iran For Calling Off Executions Of Protesters
Trump thanks Iran after executions of protesters reportedly cancelled
Trump expresses gratitude to Iran for cancelling 800 scheduled executions after ‘grave consequences’ warning
EU Advises Airlines To Avoid Iranian Airspace Amid Unrest
'I Greatly Respect': Trump Thanks Iran For Halting 800 Executions Amid Rising Tensions
Expert Explains: Why a US attack on Iran would be more show than substance
Respect that Iran cancelled hanging of 800 people: Trump
