Iran Rejects Trump’s Execution Claims as Protests, Death Toll, and Tensions Escalate

Iran’s top prosecutor has firmly dismissed repeated claims by former US President Donald Trump that he personally intervened to stop the execution of 800 detained protesters, calling the assertion completely false. At the same time, human rights activists report that the death toll from the violent crackdown on nationwide protests has risen to at least 5,032, with fears that the real figure could be significantly higher.

Verifying information has become increasingly difficult as Iran enters its third week of what is being described as the most extensive internet shutdown in the country’s history. Activists say the blackout has severely restricted independent confirmation of casualties and arrests, deepening concerns over the scale of the repression.

Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. A US aircraft carrier strike group is moving closer to the Middle East, a development Trump compared to an “aircraft” maneuver during a late-night interaction with reporters on Thursday. Analysts suggest that the growing military presence gives Trump the option of launching strikes, even though he has so far refrained from doing so despite issuing repeated warnings to Iran.

According to observers, mass executions of detainees and the killing of peaceful protesters were among Trump’s stated “red lines” for possible US military action. However, a recent analysis by the New York–based Soufan Center noted that Trump now appears to be pulling back, influenced by regional leaders and a realization that airstrikes alone would not be enough to bring down the Iranian regime. Still, the continued deployment of military assets indicates that the possibility of force has not been taken entirely off the table.

Iran’s judiciary-backed news agency Mizan quoted chief prosecutor Mohammad Movahedi as categorically denying Trump’s claims. He stated that no such number of prisoners exists and that the judiciary has taken no decision regarding mass executions. His remarks have reignited concerns over whether large-scale death sentences could still be imposed, especially since Iranian authorities have acknowledged that some detainees face charges that carry the death penalty.

Trump has repeatedly stated that both mass hangings and the killing of unarmed protesters would cross a critical threshold, potentially triggering US military action. Iran, however, continues to reject his narrative outright, framing it as misinformation amid an already volatile standoff.