US President Donald Trump; Protest in Teharn.
Credit: Reuters Photos
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday claimed that he was told on "good authority" that the killings in Iran were stopping and that there were no plans to execute protestors.
"We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping... and there's no plans for executions — an execution or executions. I've been told that on good authority. We'll find out about it," Trump told the media.
Heightened tensions
Trump had earlier threatened Iran, saying that executing protesters would attract US action in the country.
Tensions between the Tehran and Washington have risen amid Iranian leadership's crackdown on anti-government protesters.
According to a Norway-based Human Rights (IHR) NGO, at least 3,428 protesters have been killed by security forces. Additionally, a US-based activist group has said at least 18,000 people have been arrested in Iran.
Further, Iran closed its airspace, anticipating US strikes. A senior Iranian official also told Reuters that Tehran would strike US bases in neigbouring countries if Washington took any military action in the counrty.
According to Reuters, two European officials believe there would be a US military action within the next 24 hours.
Videos show protesters being clamped down
Meanwhile, Amnesty International reported evidence of mass killings amid crackdown on Iranian protesters. The rights group said its reports were based on verified videos and eyewitness accounts.
It said security personnel opened fire on protesters from rooftops of residential buildings, mosques and police stations.