Trump urges Iran to halt executions of protesters amid rising death toll
United States President Donald Trump has called on Iran to stop executing individuals linked to the mass protests that swept the country earlier this year, describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Tuesday, Trump said the Islamic Republic was carrying out killings at unprecedented levels even when people were not actively protesting.
“The failing Islamic Republic of Iran is not paying large segments of their military, while at the same time killing protesters, even when they are not protesting, at levels not seen before,” Mr. Trump wrote. “It is a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, and must be stopped, NOW.”
The remarks come amid a steady rise in executions in Iran since the outbreak of the West Asia war on February 28. The war began with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes, weeks after Iranian authorities violently suppressed nationwide protests.
The demonstrations initially broke out in late December over rising living costs, but quickly evolved into widespread anti-government rallies. They peaked on January 8 and 9, with authorities reporting more than 3,000 deaths. Iranian officials attributed the violence to “terrorist acts” orchestrated by the United States and Israel. International rights groups, however, recorded a far higher death toll and accused security forces of firing on unarmed demonstrators.
Earlier this month, more than 30 countries signed a joint letter condemning “in the strongest terms the ongoing executions of protesters and use of the death penalty” by Iran. The United States, where capital punishment remains legal, did not sign the letter. Since the letter was issued, at least three more people have been executed in Iran on charges related to the protests.
It is not clear what specific information prompted Mr. Trump’s latest statement, but his administration has repeatedly criticised Iran’s human rights record. The Iranian government has defended its actions as necessary for national security, and has rejected foreign intervention in its internal affairs.
Observers note that while Mr. Trump’s call draws attention to the executions, his administration’s decision not to join the international condemnation earlier this month has raised questions about the consistency of U.S. policy. The United States maintains its own death penalty, and has faced international criticism for its use.
The situation in Iran remains tense, with ongoing military conflict in the region and domestic unrest. Human rights organisations continue to document executions, urging the international community to take stronger measures to pressure Tehran to halt the practice.
