US President Donald Trump thanked Iranian leadership on January 16 for cancelling what he claimed were more than 800 scheduled executions of detained protesters, marking a shift from earlier threats of military action over Tehran's deadly crackdown on demonstrations.

"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!" Trump wrote on Truth Social, according to reports.

Trump told reporters departing the White House that "Iran cancelled the hanging of over 800 people" and added this "had a big impact" on his decision-making.

When questioned whether Arab and Israeli officials convinced him to avoid striking Iran, the president said: "Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected the execution narrative in a Fox News interview on January 15, stating "there is no plan for hanging at all" and describing reports as part of a "misinformation campaign" designed to drag Washington into conflict. He said hanging protesters was "out of the question."

Iran's judiciary announced on January 15 that Erfan Soltani, 26, feared to be facing the first protester execution, would not receive capital punishment.

The State Department and human rights groups had identified Soltani as imminently at risk.

The Norway-based Iran Human Rights group verified 3,428 protester deaths by security forces, whilst a US-based rights organisation reported at least 2,400 killed since demonstrations began in December 2025. CNN reported Tehran conducted a "brutal crackdown" on protesters after initial peaceful gatherings evolved into direct challenges to the country's theocratic government.

Trump had warned Iran on January 14 that the US would take "strong action" if executions proceeded, stating "help is on its way" to Iranian protesters. When asked on January 16 whether assistance remained forthcoming, Trump replied: "Well, we're going to see."

The US Defence Department prepared additional military assets for the Middle East region including a carrier strike group, aircraft and air defence systems, according to NBC News.

Protests beginning December 28 over economic hardship and currency depreciation evolved into challenges to Iran's theocratic system before subsiding following the security crackdown.