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Iran Denies Trump’s Claim About Cancellation of 800 Executions
Iran’s top prosecutor has strongly rejected President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that Iran canceled more than 800 scheduled executions, calling the president’s statement “completely false.”
Mohammad Movahedi, Iran’s chief prosecutor, issued the denial Friday in comments published by the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency. “This claim is completely false; no such number exists, nor has the judiciary made any such decision,” Movahedi said, according to The Associated Press.
The prosecutor emphasized Iran’s governance structure in his rebuttal: “We have a separation of powers, the responsibilities of each institution are clearly defined, and we do not, under any circumstances, take instructions from foreign powers.”
The dispute began when Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform last week: “I greatly respect the fact that all scheduled hangings, which were to take place yesterday (Over 800 of them), have been cancelled by the leadership of Iran. Thank you!”
When asked for response to Iran’s denial, a White House official told Fox News Digital that Trump is “monitoring the situation in Iran very seriously” and that “all options remain available if the regime in Tehran executes protesters.” The official added that following Trump’s warnings to Iran, demonstrators who were set to be sentenced to death were not executed, which the president considers “good news” and hopes will continue.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had previously emphasized the administration’s stance, telling reporters last week: “What I will say with respect to Iran is that the president and his team have communicated to the Iranian regime that if the killing continues, there will be grave consequences.”
The disagreement unfolds against the backdrop of widespread anti-government protests in Iran and the regime’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators. According to the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, 5,032 people have died during the government’s suppression of protests.
Iran’s government offered its first official death toll on Wednesday, claiming 3,117 people had been killed since demonstrations began on December 28. The regime asserted that 2,427 of the dead were civilians and security forces, while characterizing the remainder as “terrorists.”
The ongoing protests represent one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian government in recent years. Human rights organizations have consistently criticized Iran for its use of capital punishment, particularly against political dissidents and protesters.
The public disagreement between Trump and Iranian officials highlights the complex and tense relationship between the United States and Iran, which has been characterized by mutual distrust and conflicting narratives. While the Trump administration portrays its stance as having successfully deterred executions, Iranian officials reject any suggestion that their judicial decisions are influenced by foreign pressure.
The situation remains fluid as international human rights groups continue to monitor developments in Iran, where the crackdown on dissent has drawn widespread condemnation from governments and organizations worldwide.
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9 Comments
This dispute over execution numbers underscores the complex dynamics between Iran and the US. Maintaining open dialogues and fact-checking is important to avoid further escalation of tensions.
The Iranian prosecutor’s statement highlights the importance of relying on official government sources when it comes to sensitive national matters. Caution is warranted in accepting claims from foreign leaders without corroboration.
The Iranian prosecutor’s firm rejection of Trump’s claim raises questions about the accuracy of information being shared publicly. Transparency from both sides would help provide a clearer picture of the situation.
Agreed. Verifying claims and counter-claims is crucial, especially when it comes to sensitive issues like this. The public deserves a factual account from reliable sources.
This situation illustrates the need for improved communication and cooperation between Iran and the US to address shared concerns. Factual, transparent exchanges are crucial to foster mutual understanding.
Absolutely. Diplomatic efforts to establish clear lines of communication and verification processes could help mitigate the risk of misunderstandings or misinformation on critical issues.
Interesting development in the ongoing tensions between Iran and the US. It’s concerning to see these types of conflicting statements, highlighting the need for clear and transparent communication between the nations.
The dispute over execution numbers is a reminder of the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Iran. Maintaining objectivity and seeking authoritative sources is key to understanding the nuances of this situation.
This back-and-forth highlights the need for impartial, fact-based reporting on sensitive international matters. Relying on official statements and verifiable information is crucial to avoid further inflaming tensions.