Trump Threats Force Iran To Blink As Protest Hangings Halted

Iran has appeared to back down after President Donald Trump issued blunt warnings over the execution of anti-regime protesters, with Tehran “postponing” the hanging of a young demonstrator amid mounting international pressure.

Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old shop owner, had been due to be executed on Wednesday after being sentenced to death for taking part in anti-government protests last week. His case became a flashpoint after his family publicly appealed to Trump to intervene.

In response, Trump warned Tehran that the United States would take “very strong action” if executions went ahead. “If they hang them, you’re going to see something,” the president said.

Hours later, Soltani’s family said they had been informed the execution would not proceed as planned. However, relatives stressed the move was only a delay, warning that Soltani — currently held in solitary confinement at Ghezel Hesar prison — could still be executed at any time.

Iran now appears to be scrambling to contain the fallout as unrest spreads and fears of U.S. military action grow. Tehran briefly shut its airspace to all flights without special permission, according to Flightradar24, while the U.S. Embassy in Doha urged Americans in Qatar to exercise “increased caution” and limit non-essential travel near Al Udeid Airbase.

Human rights groups paint a far darker picture than Iran’s official line. Iran Human Rights says more than 3,400 people have been killed since protests erupted in late December, while unverified estimates suggest the true toll could be far higher.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi sought to dismiss concerns, insisting there was “no plan” to carry out executions. But separatist groups and activists say executions are continuing quietly, away from public view.

“They won’t stop for a single minute,” one Kurdish source warned. “They’ve just moved the killings into basements.”

Key Takeaways

• Trump’s warning lands: Tehran delayed a protester’s execution after Trump threatened “very strong action.”

• Pause, not mercy: Families and activists warn hangings may continue in secret.

• Iran rattled: Airspace closures and regional alerts point to rising fear of U.S. escalation.

SOURCE: EXPRESS

Capital punishment is used by Iran for the most minor crimes, some under Shar'ia law. There were ~2200 executions in 2025.