Trump says Iran killings stopped, but Amnesty reports continued bloodshed

US President Donald Trump has said he has been informed that the killing of protesters in Iran has stopped and that planned executions will not go ahead, amid more than two weeks of nationwide unrest.

Speaking during an event in the Oval Office on January 14, Trump said the information came from what he described as “very important sources on the other side”, Caliber.Az reports via US media.

“We've been told on good authority, and I hope it's true. Who knows, right?” he said.

When asked whether this meant military action against Iran was now off the table, the president responded cautiously, saying, “We're going to watch and see what the process is. But we were given a very good statement by people that are aware of what's going on.”

Meanwhile, journalist Lawrence Norman shared the latest data from Amnesty International on the security forces’ response to anti-government protests in Iran.

“According to evidence gathered by Amnesty International, security forces positioned on the streets and rooftops, including of residential buildings, mosques and police stations, have repeatedly fired rifles and shotguns loaded with…” 

The comments come as activists report a rising death toll from protests that began on December 28 and have spread across the country. The Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) said it had verified 2,571 deaths so far and was reviewing reports of a further 779 fatalities.

According to HRANA, those confirmed dead include 2,403 adult protesters, 12 protesters under the age of 18, 147 government-affiliated personnel and nine civilians not involved in demonstrations. The group also reported that more than 1,100 protesters had been seriously injured and at least 18,137 people arrested.

The figures are based on information gathered by activists inside and outside Iran. ABC News said it could not independently verify the numbers. Iranian authorities have not released any official civilian death toll.

During the unrest, Iran issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) temporarily closing its airspace to most flights, allowing only international civil arrivals and departures with prior approval. The restriction was later allowed to expire.

Trump has previously voiced support for Iranian demonstrators and has hinted at possible US action in response to the violence. The situation on the ground, however, remains unclear, with conflicting accounts continuing to emerge.

 By Aghakazim Guliyev