Implica

Iran denies Trump's claim that it halted executions of eight women protesters

US President Donald Trump claimed on April 22, 2026, that Iran agreed to halt the execution of eight women arrested in earlier protests and release some as a gesture ahead of negotiations. Iran's judiciary rejected the claim as fake news, stating no executions were planned, some women have been released, and others face imprisonment at most. Trump had urged their release on social media, citing activist reports.

Rights groups report at least one woman sentenced to death and another facing capital charges from January protests. The exchange highlights tensions between Washington and Tehran amid ongoing US-Iran negotiations. It underscores disagreements over protest handling and information sources influencing diplomacy.

US Perspective

President Trump announced that Iran halted executions of eight women protesters after his plea, calling it very good news and a positive start to negotiations. He urged Iranian leaders to release the women in respect for his request and to aid talks. Trump reposted activist claims including photos of the women facing hanging.

Iranian Perspective

Iran's judiciary denied reports of any planned executions for the eight women as fake news that misled Trump. Some of the women have already been released while others face charges leading at most to prison terms if convicted. Tehran accused the US president of spreading falsehoods based on unreliable sources.

  • Tehran Revolutionary Court handles national security cases, often issuing death sentences without due process.
  • Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest in decades per annual reports.
  • Bita Hemmati is the first woman sentenced to death over the January 2026 protests.