Washington DC / Doha / Tehran | January 15, 2026 (ANI) US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that killings in Iran have stopped and that there are no current plans by the Iranian authorities to carry out executions, amid escalating nationwide protests and growing international concern.
Speaking to reporters at the White House during a signing ceremony, Trump stated,
“We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping, and there are no plans for executions or an execution. I’ve been told that on good authority. We’ll find out about it.”
The remarks come as Iran continues to experience widespread unrest, now entering its 20th consecutive day, following protests initially sparked by record inflation and a sharp depreciation of the national currency. The demonstrations have since evolved into broader anti-regime protests, with reported unrest in more than 280 locations nationwide.
Conflicting Reports on Executions
Despite Trump’s assertion, international media reports paint a more troubling picture. The New York Post, citing human rights groups, reported that Iran’s authorities were preparing to execute their first protester, following mass arrests of anti-regime demonstrators. Iranian state television has also acknowledged a high death toll, though it attributed the violence to what it described as “armed and terrorist groups.”
Meanwhile, Iran has experienced a near-total internet shutdown for over five days, with only intermittent restoration of international phone services, limiting independent verification of events on the ground.
Iran Appeals to United Nations
Amid mounting pressure, Iran has formally appealed to the United Nations Security Council and the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United States of inciting unrest, interfering in Iran’s internal affairs, and threatening military action.
In an official letter circulated by Iran’s Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani expressed “grave concern” over recent statements by President Trump, claiming they encouraged protesters to seize state institutions and amounted to a direct threat to Iran’s sovereignty and national security.
Iran argued that such rhetoric violates core principles of international law, including provisions of the UN Charter prohibiting the threat or use of force and interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states. Tehran further alleged that Washington’s actions form part of a broader strategy involving sanctions, economic pressure, and political destabilisation.
Trump Urges Continued Protests
Earlier this week, Trump publicly urged Iranians to continue protesting. In a post on Truth Social, he wrote:
“Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING – TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!!… HELP IS ON ITS WAY.”
Trump later said he had cancelled all meetings with Iranian officials until the “senseless killing” of protesters stopped and warned that those responsible would “pay a very big price.”
Regional Fallout: Qatar Takes Precautionary Measures
As US-Iran tensions intensify, Qatar confirmed the departure of certain personnel from Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military facility in the Middle East. Doha described the move as a precautionary measure in response to current regional tensions.
Qatar’s International Media Office stated that all necessary steps are being taken to protect citizens, residents, and critical infrastructure, and that further developments would be communicated through official channels.
Reports had earlier suggested that the US military was partially evacuating the base as Washington considers possible military options related to Iran.
Iranian Embassy Criticises US Global Policies
Separately, the Iranian Embassy in India issued a strongly worded statement criticising the United States for withdrawing from dozens of international institutions and imposing what it called “unfair tariffs.” The embassy warned that such unilateral actions are accelerating the breakdown of global norms and would eventually affect all countries, regardless of size or economic strength.
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