U.S. President Donald Trump said his decision not to authorize military strikes against Iran was influenced by reports that Tehran’s leadership cancelled more than 800 scheduled executions, describing the move as a significant de-escalatory signal amid ongoing unrest in the country.

Speaking to reporters, President Trump said he had learned that mass hangings planned for the previous day had been called off. “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,” Trump said. “Thank you.”

When asked whether Arab or Israeli officials had persuaded him to refrain from striking Iran, Trump rejected the premise of the question. “Nobody convinced me—I convinced myself,” he said. Trump emphasized that the reported cancellation of executions had weighed heavily on his decision. “You had, yesterday, scheduled over 800 hangings. They didn’t hang anyone. They cancelled the hangings. That had a big impact.”

Trump framed the decision as a moral and strategic judgment, suggesting that the halt in executions signaled a potential opening for restraint during a period of heightened tensions. His remarks come as Iran faces widespread protests that began in early January 2026, driven by economic hardship and opposition to regime repression. Demonstrations have been met with mass arrests and lethal force, drawing international condemnation and raising fears of further escalation.

U.S. warnings of possible military action had intensified pressure on Tehran in recent days, contributing to speculation that external threats played a role in Iran’s alleged decision to suspend executions. Trump indicated that his administration viewed the reported cancellation as evidence that firm messaging could alter regime behavior without immediate resort to force.

Iranian officials, however, have denied that any mass executions were scheduled or cancelled, disputing Trump’s characterization and rejecting claims that outside pressure influenced internal judicial decisions. The conflicting accounts underscore the information gaps surrounding developments inside Iran, where severe restrictions on media and communications have limited independent verification.

Despite the uncertainty, Trump’s comments signal a temporary pause in U.S. escalation, tying American military restraint to humanitarian considerations while maintaining pressure on Tehran over its treatment of protesters and broader conduct.