During a briefing with reporters in the Oval Office, former President Donald Trump shared that Iranian officials had assured him there were no plans to carry out executions, despite earlier reports from Tehran suggesting otherwise.
“We’re closely monitoring the situation, but we received a positive update from informed sources,” Trump responded when questioned about the possibility of a military strike. “They’ve indicated there are no executions happening today. Many had expected them to start, but we have been told otherwise. I hope that’s accurate as it’s a significant matter.”
Earlier in the day, it was reported that the United States had begun relocating hundreds of personnel from its military bases, which fueled speculation about a potential strike on Iran. This development followed Trump’s warning of “strong action” against Iran in response to its harsh suppression of widespread protests.
The internet remains largely inaccessible in Iran due to an official blackout, though it is believed that Starlink is providing some free access to the web.
Reports suggest that the protests have resulted in the deaths of at least 2,400 individuals, with up to 20,000 people detained by authorities.
It’s believed at least 2400 people have been killed in the protests so far, with up to 20,000 detained.
Trump posted on Truth Social that help was “on the way” for protesters, and urged them to stay out on the streets.
However, the US so far has not moved on Iran, and Trump has continued to make threats, most recently on the prospect of public executions.
“If they hang them, you’re going to see some things that are â I don’t know what you’re where you come from and what your thought process is â but you’ll perhaps be very happy,” he told reporters.
“We will take very strong action.”
Meanwhile, the US has moved personnel out of military bases in the Middle East, including its largest in Qatar, leading to speculation plans for an operation could be underway.
A US official told CNN personnel had been advised to leave the Qatar base as a “precaution”.
Two European officials have told Reuters US intervention in Iran could come in the next 24 hours, while an Israeli official also said Trump appears to have decided to take military action.
“All the signals are that a US attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes,” another Western military official said.
“Unpredictability is part of the strategy.”
The Tehran regime has blamed foreign agitators including the US for the mass protests and threatened to strike back if attacked.
Meanwhile, regional neighbours of Iran are urging the US to hold fire, concerned by the prospect of widespread conflict.
Arab and Turkish officials have significantly intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran this week, sources told CNN.
“Any military escalation will have consequences for the wider region, including its security and economy,” a regional official with knowledge of the matter told CNN on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have launched diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, the official said.
Arab governments have warned that an attack now could have the “opposite effect and unite Iranians on both sides behind the regime,” the regional official said.
Trump last week announced the US was pulling out of all diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials.
