Trump States “Killing in Iran Has Stopped” Amid Soltani Execution Controversy
By Sandy Fitzgerald, veteran journalist with over three decades of experience | Thursday, January 15, 2026
President Donald Trump early Thursday stated that it was “good news” an Iranian protester would not be sentenced to death by the Iranian regime for participating in recent country-wide protests.
Trump commented on Truth Social that the development follows his warnings to Iran regarding U.S. actions against executions of protesters, and he expressed hope such measures would continue.
On Wednesday, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that “the killing in Iran is stopping” and there was “no plan for executions.”
“I’ve been told that on good authority,” Trump said. “We’ll find out about that … If it happens, we’ll be very upset.”
“The killing has stopped. The executions have stopped,” he added.
Trump has indicated he will take “strong action” if protesters are executed.
His remarks came as concerns increased over whether protester Erfan Soltani, 26, would face execution for his role in the protests.
A family member who identified herself only as Somayeh stated that the execution did not take place as planned, but said it had not been canceled and that the family was waiting for more information.
Hengaw, a Norway-based human rights organization, reported late Wednesday that Soltani’s execution had been postponed.
Iran’s judiciary disputed Thursday claims that Soltani was due to be executed, stating he has not been sentenced to death and would not face it, according to state media IRIB.
Soltani was arrested on January 10 and formally charged with “assembly and collusion against the country’s internal security” and “propaganda activities” against the regime, per IRIB.
The Iranian authorities indicated that even if the charges were proven, he would not be subject to the death penalty as it does not apply to those accusations.
According to Iran Human Rights, Iranian security forces have killed more than 3,400 people since the protests began.
