Washington, 17 January (H.S.): US President Donald Trump issued an unusual message of appreciation to Iran's leadership on Friday for cancelling over 800 scheduled hangings of protesters, marking a potential de-escalation following weeks of threats of military intervention.

The development comes against the backdrop of nationwide anti-government protests that erupted in late December 2025, triggered by economic hardships and opposition to the Islamic Republic's clerical rule.

Human rights organizations report a death toll exceeding 2,600 demonstrators killed by security forces, with nearly 20,000 arrests amid brutal crackdowns described as among the most violent in Iran's modern history.

Trump had repeatedly warned Tehran of US action, stating on January 13 that help is on the way for protesters and that America stood locked and loaded.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: 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!

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn before departing for his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, he reiterated the point, emphasizing that the decision had a big impact and dismissing suggestions of external influence by declaring, Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had confirmed the halt on Thursday, noting that all options remain on the table.While Iranian authorities have not officially verified the cancellations or the figure of 800 executions, the protests appear to be subsiding, with rights groups observing a reduction in violence.

Trump's pivot from hawkish rhetoric signals a temporary reprieve, though he remained noncommittal on future US involvement when pressed, responding vaguely, Well, we're going to see.

The UN Security Council held an emergency session on Thursday at Washington's request to address the unrest.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar