Washington, 15 January 2026 (dpa/MIA) - Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Wednesday said there are no plans to execute protesters following nationwide protests, echoing earlier remarks by US President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Fox News, Araghchi said there was no plan to hang anyone and reiterated allegations that foreign "terrorist elements" were behind escalations during the protests.

He also claimed some deaths were intended to draw the United States into the conflict, referencing an alleged Israeli plan without providing evidence.

Earlier on Wednesday, Trump said he had received information that there are no plans for executions in Iran. Speaking at the White House, he cited "very important sources on the other side" and said he hoped the information was correct. He did not elaborate further.

In Iran, death sentences are usually carried out by hanging.

Trump had warned Iran earlier this week against executing protesters, telling CBS News in Detroit that the US would respond harshly if demonstrators were killed. He did not elaborate on the nature of a potential response but has repeatedly cautioned Iran against a brutal crackdown on the protests. He did not rule out military actions.

The protests erupted amid a deep economic crisis, high inflation and widespread dissatisfaction with Tehran's leadership. Iran's security forces have responded with extreme force.

Araghchi said hundreds of deaths had occurred and that exact numbers would be released soon, a claim that doesn't align with information from activists.

According to the Oslo-based human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), at least 3,428 demonstrators have been killed since late December, with the actual number likely higher. Thousands of protesters have reportedly been detained.

The protests mark one of the most significant challenges to the Islamic Republic's leadership in years.

Photo: EPA