President Donald Trump says Tehran has no plan to execute protesters, but still hasn't ruled out US military action against the country over its violent crackdown on anti-government demonstrators.
The US and UK are both reducing the number of personnel at the Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, while officials have told CBS that a partial American withdrawal is a precautionary measure.
Iran's airspace was closed to nearly all flights for five hours overnight, with several airlines announcing that they will reroute flights around Iran.
The Foreign Office has also temporarily closed the British embassy in Tehran, which will operate remotely, a government spokesperson said.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said his administration had been told on good authority that the killing in Iran is stopping, and there's no plan for executions. When questioned, he noted that very important sources on the other side had informed him of these developments, expressing hope that they were true.
Initial demonstrations over the collapse of the Iranian currency began in late December but quickly expanded into a broader crisis challenging Iran's clerical leadership.
Trump had previously threatened very strong action against Iran if the government executed protesters, following reports about Erfan Soltani, a 26-year-old arrested during the protests who had been sentenced to death.
Reports confirmed his execution was postponed; however, Iranian authorities have not provided additional information about Soltani's case. In reaction, Iran's Foreign Minister stated that hanging is out of the question and promised no executions would occur.
In light of rising tensions, both Italy and Poland advised their citizens to leave Iran, and Germany recommended that airlines avoid Iranian airspace due to potential risks from escalating conflicts. The situation remains fluid as various nations navigate their diplomatic and military strategies in response to events in Iran.
Trump also indicated that the Iranian regime might fall as a result of the ongoing protests, expressing uncertainty about supporting any opposition figures, specifically Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah. The ongoing crackdown on dissent continues amidst an internet blackout imposed by the Iranian government.
