Iran Temporarily Avoids US Attacks by Promising Not to Carry Out Executions

US and Iran Step Back from the Brink Amid Protests

Source: MAHSA/AFP/Getty Images

Recent tensions between the United States and Iran appear to have eased, following President Donald Trump's decision to soften his stance on potential military action against Tehran after the deaths of protesters. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian official has assured that executions will not take place.

On Wednesday, President Trump stated that he had received information indicating that the violence in Iran was subsiding. He expressed his disapproval of any further crackdowns, a notable change from his earlier encouragement for continued demonstrations and his promise of support for Iranian protesters.

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Oil prices declined for the first time in nearly a week as fears of supply interruptions from Iran and neighboring Gulf countries diminished. Brent crude fell by up to 3.4% on Thursday, the steepest drop since November, after a week of significant gains.

According to FlightRadar24, air traffic over Iran resumed after a brief closure of its airspace. The Iranian Civil Aviation Organization confirmed that both incoming and outgoing flights had restarted, as reported by the Tasnim news agency.

Earlier on Wednesday, a series of events suggested that the US and Iran were on the verge of direct confrontation. Iran temporarily shut its airspace, coinciding with reports of partial US troop movements from Qatar and other bases in the region. The UK also announced a temporary closure of its embassy in Tehran. Despite the de-escalation, the situation in the region remains tense, and the possibility of renewed conflict, including potential US involvement, has not been ruled out.

Protests in Iran have diminished since last week, when massive crowds rallied nationwide against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's government. Iranian authorities claim to have restored order, accusing the US and Israel of inciting unrest and supporting armed groups targeting civilians.

State television has been dominated by pro-government demonstrations and official funerals, while a widespread internet shutdown continues to restrict independent reporting from within the country.

Human rights organizations report that the death toll from the protests, which began in late December and intensified last week, continues to rise. The Norway-based group Iran Human Rights estimates that at least 3,428 demonstrators have lost their lives, making this the most severe crackdown on dissent in Iran in decades.

Diplomatic Efforts and Human Rights Concerns

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Fox News on Wednesday, one of the few US media outlets favored by President Trump, to categorically deny that protestors would face execution. This statement appeared to be a direct response to Trump's earlier warning of "very strong action" should Iran proceed with executions.

“Executions are not being considered,” Araghchi stated during his interview. “There are no plans for hangings now or in the future. I am certain of that.”

He also emphasized that diplomacy should take precedence over military conflict and cautioned the US against repeating past mistakes. “Do not repeat the same error you made in June. If you try a failed approach again, you will get the same outcome,” he warned.

In June, Iran and the US were engaged in talks mediated by Oman regarding Tehran’s nuclear program, but those negotiations ended abruptly when Israel launched airstrikes.

Following these events, Iran retaliated by targeting a US air base in Qatar and has since barred international nuclear inspectors from accessing its facilities, leaving the status of its enriched uranium stockpile uncertain.

Human rights advocates say that over 18,000 people have been arrested amid fears that the death penalty could be widely enforced. On Wednesday, Iran’s judiciary announced that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, previously believed to be at imminent risk of execution, would not face the death sentence.

Reporting assistance by Chris Miller.

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