President Donald Trump declared a four-week military campaign against Iran as tensions spiral across the Middle East. Iran launched missiles at a U.S.-run naval base in Bahrain, targeting the headquarters of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, with videos showing thick smoke rising from the area. Explosions were also reported near a UK base in Cyprus, deepening fears of a widening regional conflict.


US-Iran War: US President Claims He Is Still Open to Talks 

Students at Tehran universities have taken to the streets to protest and clash with supporters of Iran’s Supreme Leader amid ongoing nationwide unrest. 


Iran Protest: Students Clash With Khamenei Supporters at Tehran University

President Donald Trump signals willingness to meet Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei if he seeks a diplomatic discussion. While Senators like Marco Rubio indicate Trump would agree to talks, experts question the feasibility amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and regional conflicts.

The proposed meeting highlights complex geopolitics and the challenges of negotiating with Tehran.


US vs Iran: Why a Trump-Khamenei Meeting Is Impossible? Tensions Remain High Amid Diplomatic Signals

Iran has intensified arrests of reformist figures, activists, and filmmakers even as negotiations with the United States continue. Labeling protests as “riots,” Tehran blames Israel and Washington, while the Iranian president urges the U.S. to avoid excessive demands.


US-Iran Tensions: Tehran Ready To Dilute Highly Enriched Uranium 

U.S. President Donald Trump has so far stopped short of launching direct military strikes on Iran, despite rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional proxies. Analysts say past confrontations, including sustained clashes with the Houthis, showed limits to American naval and air campaigns, with the United States failing to achieve clear air superiority during extended operations in Yemen. Meanwhile, defence sources and analysts have raised concerns about the strain on U.S. missile defence stocks after previous conflicts, complicating options for a sustained campaign. With a major U.S. naval presence now deployed but diplomatic talks ongoing, Washington appears to be weighing the risks of escalation against the high political and military cost of an all-out conflict.


US vs Iran: Houthis Showed the Limits of American Naval Might, American Interceptors Running Low 

Iran-US nuclear talks are back on track after intense lobbying by West Asia leaders and a venue shift to Oman. Iran’s demands on location and scope had earlier threatened to derail negotiations, raising stakes for regional and global security.


Iran-US Nuclear Talks: US President Issues Latest Warning To Iran Supreme Leader 

The United States is hopeful of reaching a deal with Iran, with reports suggesting Washington is ready to meet and negotiate. Regional allies including Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar are working to facilitate the meeting, while the US strengthens air defenses in West Asia amid rising tensions and the possibility of Iranian strikes.


US-Iran Tensions: Trump 'Hopeful' Of Deal As Iran Warns Of War, 'Iran Will Stand Against US' 

US President Donald Trump says he is “hopeful” of reaching a deal with Iran even after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US attack would trigger a regional war.

Trump Hopeful of Iran Deal After Tehran Warns of Regional War

The United States is set to hold urgent high-level talks in Washington with Israeli and Saudi officials amid rising tensions over a potential Iran attack. As Washington engages the IDF intelligence chief and Saudi Defence Minister, Russia has urged restraint, highlighting growing international concern over a wider Middle East escalation.


BREAKING: US to Hold Talks With Israel & Saudi, Russia Urges Restraint

US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran, warning that a “massive armada” is en route to the country and urging Tehran to “come to the negotiating table” for a nuclear deal.


US vs Iran: Turkiye Offers To Mediate US-Iran Tensions

US-Iran Tensions: US President Warns Iran As Warships Move To West Asia

US President Donald Trump said another American “armada” is moving toward Iran, even as he expressed hope that Tehran would agree to a deal with Washington. The remarks, made at a public event in Iowa, have added to already high tensions in the Middle East.


US-Iran Tensions: US President Trump Says Iran Will Now Negotiate a Fair and Equitable Deal 

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly taken refuge in a fortified underground bunker in Tehran amid escalating tensions with the United States, according to media reports. 


US-Iran Tensions: Iran Judicial Chief Says Protests Instigators To Face Harsh Punishment

 Iran and Israel possess potent ballistic missile arsenals tailored to their strategic geography. Iran focuses on volume and increasing precision with missiles like the Sejjil and Kheibar, while Israel maintains high-tech long-range deterrents like the Jericho series.

'Israel vs Iran': Comparing the ballistic missile range and accuracy

Israel and Iran are locked in a sophisticated cyber war. Israel leads with elite tech like Unit 8200 and AI defences, focusing on precision strikes. Iran counters with mass disruption, proxy groups, and attacks on civilian infrastructure. 

Who will win in cyber warfare? Israel vs Iran capabilities compared

Israel relies on F-35 stealth and electronic warfare to overcome Iran's defences. Iran counters with deep territory, the S-300, and the Bavar-373. Distance and logistics remain the biggest hurdles.

Who has the edge? Israel's air power versus Iran’s layered defence

The White House on Thursday (Jan 15) said that Iran halted 800 executions under pressure from US President Donald Trump over its crackdown against nationwide protests, adding that a US military intervention remains an option. This comes amid one of the biggest anti-government protests in the history of the Islamic Republic, which has killed several and led to a week-long internet blackout. Hundreds have been killed amid demonstrations that started weeks ago over the rising cost of living in the country. Meanwhile, Gulf allies are scrambling to pull back Trump from military action over Tehran’s killing of demonstrators.“The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.“All options remain on the table for the president,” she said, adding that Trump had warned Tehran of “grave consequences” if the killing of protesters continued.On Wednesday (Jan 14), the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said that Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, warning that the final toll would be much higher.Trump earlier said that he received assurance from “very important sources on the other side” that Iran would not go ahead with the executions.On Thursday, a senior Saudi official told AFP that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman led efforts to talk Trump out of an attack on Iran, fearing “grave blowbacks in the region.”The Gulf nations “led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intention,” the official said.Iranian authorities have claimed that the “rioters” were backed by Israel and the US, vowing fast-track justice that activists fear will turn into a spree of executions. The Trump administration had threatened military action in case Iran carried out the death penalty against people arrested over the protests.Speaking to Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that there would be “no hanging today or tomorrow.” Reacting to the statement, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue!”Meanwhile, Araghchi said that the Iranian government was “in full control”, adding that an atmosphere of calm remained after what he called three days of “terrorist operation.”

On Wednesday (Jan 14), the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said that Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, warning that the final toll would be much higher.

The White House on Thursday (Jan 15) said that Iran halted 800 executions under pressure from US President Donald Trump over its crackdown against nationwide protests, adding that a US military intervention remains an option. This comes amid one of the biggest anti-government protests in the history of the Islamic Republic, which has killed several and led to a week-long internet blackout. Hundreds have been killed amid demonstrations that started weeks ago over the rising cost of living in the country. Meanwhile, Gulf allies are scrambling to pull back Trump from military action over Tehran’s killing of demonstrators. “The president understands today that 800 executions that were scheduled and supposed to take place yesterday were halted,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. “All options remain on the table for the president,” she said, adding that Trump had warned Tehran of “grave consequences” if the killing of protesters continued. On Wednesday (Jan 14), the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said that Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, warning that the final toll would be much higher. Trump earlier said that he received assurance from “very important sources on the other side” that Iran would not go ahead with the executions. On Thursday, a senior Saudi official told AFP that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman led efforts to talk Trump out of an attack on Iran, fearing “grave blowbacks in the region.” The Gulf nations “led a long, frantic, diplomatic last-minute effort to convince President Trump to give Iran a chance to show good intention,” the official said. Iranian authorities have claimed that the “rioters” were backed by Israel and the US, vowing fast-track justice that activists fear will turn into a spree of executions. The Trump administration had threatened military action in case Iran carried out the death penalty against people arrested over the protests. Speaking to Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that there would be “no hanging today or tomorrow.” Reacting to the statement, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform, “This is good news. Hopefully, it will continue!” Meanwhile, Araghchi said that the Iranian government was “in full control”, adding that an atmosphere of calm remained after what he called three days of “terrorist operation.”

On Wednesday (Jan 14), the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) NGO said that Iranian security forces had killed at least 3,428 protesters, warning that the final toll would be much higher.

White House claims Trump stopped 800 executions in Iran, but insists military action ‘remains on table’

Iran is upgrading its air force with Russian Su-35 fighter jets. These 4++ generation aircraft bring advanced radar, speed, and missiles, replacing the ageing US-made F-14 Tomcats and posing a new challenge to Western air dominance.

'US vs Iran': Which is Iran's most advanced fighter jet?

The US can strike Iranian targets from 1,600 km away using JASSM-XR and Tomahawk missiles. This standoff strategy keeps pilots safe from S-300 air defences while hitting hardened sites with 450 kg warheads. B-1B bombers and naval vessels provide the heavy firepower needed.

Without crossing borders: How the US can hit Iranian targets using 1,500-km standoff weapons

Erfan Soltani, who was arrested on January 10 during protests in Iran, has not been sentenced to death, reported the state media. Soltani, 26, was the first Iranian protester given a death sentence after the protests erupted in the country. According to Judiciary, Soltani ‍is being charged with "colluding against the country's internal security and ‌propaganda activities against ⁠the regime", but this charge does not carry a death sentence.&nbsp;This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed.<h2>Who is Erfan Soltani</h2><ul><li>Soltani is a clothing shop employee and was arrested north-west of Tehran on January 10 (Thursday) for taking part in the protests that has rocked the country</li><li>He is a resident of Fardis, Karaj</li><li>According to rights groups he was to be executed on Wednesday, though it has now been halted</li><li>One of his family members and a Norway-based human rights organisation also stated that the scheduled execution did not take place yesterday.</li><li>They also said he could become the first protester to be executed as part of the current demonstrations against the Iranian regime</li><li>He is currently lodged ​in the central penitentiary of Karaj</li></ul><h2>Trump in support of protesters</h2>In recent days, the POTUS has spoken about coming to the aid of protesters in Iran, even posting on Truth Social, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY", while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests.&nbsp;Speaking at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from what he described as "very important sources on the other side" that the violent crackdown on demonstrations had stopped and that planned executions would not go ahead. He offered no further details and stressed that the information had not yet been independently confirmed.&nbsp;"They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place," Trump said. "There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out."&nbsp;The protests that began over the collapse of the Iranian currency and soaring cost of living has spread to more than 180 cities and towns.&nbsp;&nbsp;The demonstrators are now demanding regime change, which is a huge challenge for the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Irans security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would watch it and see before deciding if US military intervention was still needed.

Erfan Soltani, who was arrested on January 10 during protests in Iran, has not been sentenced to death, reported the state media. Soltani, 26, was the first Iranian protester given a death sentence after the protests erupted in the country. According to Judiciary, Soltani ‍is being charged with "colluding against the country's internal security and ‌propaganda activities against ⁠the regime", but this charge does not carry a death sentence. This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed. Who is Erfan Soltani Soltani is a clothing shop employee and was arrested north-west of Tehran on January 10 (Thursday) for taking part in the protests that has rocked the country He is a resident of Fardis, Karaj According to rights groups he was to be executed on Wednesday, though it has now been halted One of his family members and a Norway-based human rights organisation also stated that the scheduled execution did not take place yesterday. They also said he could become the first protester to be executed as part of the current demonstrations against the Iranian regime He is currently lodged in the central penitentiary of Karaj Trump in support of protesters In recent days, the POTUS has spoken about coming to the aid of protesters in Iran, even posting on Truth Social, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY", while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from what he described as "very important sources on the other side" that the violent crackdown on demonstrations had stopped and that planned executions would not go ahead. He offered no further details and stressed that the information had not yet been independently confirmed. "They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place," Trump said. "There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out." The protests that began over the collapse of the Iranian currency and soaring cost of living has spread to more than 180 cities and towns. The demonstrators are now demanding regime change, which is a huge challenge for the clerical establishment since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed.

Who is Erfan Soltani, the Iranian protester, whose execution has been halted?

Amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States over over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, airspace closures, Washington is moving its battleship USS Abraham Lincoln, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers from the South China Sea to the Middle East, reported News Nation on Wednesday (Jan 14).&nbsp;At typical cruising speeds, the transit across the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea is reportedly going to take about a week to position itself in the U.S. Central Command area.&nbsp;However, there hasn't been any confirmation or any official statement by the US authorities, military in this regard so far.&nbsp;The battleship USS Abraham Lincoln, till recently in the waters of South China Sea was conducting routine operations including F-35C flight ops and live-fire drills.&nbsp;In recent days, the POTUS has spoken about coming to the aid of protesters in Iran, even posting on Truth Social, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY", while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests.<h2>Trump drops cryptic post</h2>Trump on Wednesday (Jan 14) offered a cryptic assessment of Iran’s future, suggesting the country’s clerical government could fall under the weight of mass protests that have rocked the nation for the past 18 days. However, he stopped short of backing any single opposition figure to take the current President Masoud Pezeshkian-led government's place. This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed.&nbsp;&nbsp;Speaking to news agency Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump said it was “possible” the government in Tehran could fall under the pressure of weeks of unrest that have rocked the country and reportedly left thousands dead in a violent crackdown.&nbsp;“Any regime can fail,” Trump said cryptically, adding, “Whether it falls or not, it’s going to be an interesting period of time.”

The battleship USS Abraham Lincoln, till recently was in the waters of South China Sea conducting routine operations including F-35C flight ops and live-fire drills.

Amid growing tensions between Iran and the United States over over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests, airspace closures, Washington is moving its battleship USS Abraham Lincoln, including the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and three Arleigh Burke-class destroyers from the South China Sea to the Middle East, reported News Nation on Wednesday (Jan 14). At typical cruising speeds, the transit across the Indian Ocean to the Arabian Sea is reportedly going to take about a week to position itself in the U.S. Central Command area. However, there hasn't been any confirmation or any official statement by the US authorities, military in this regard so far. The battleship USS Abraham Lincoln, till recently in the waters of South China Sea was conducting routine operations including F-35C flight ops and live-fire drills. In recent days, the POTUS has spoken about coming to the aid of protesters in Iran, even posting on Truth Social, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY", while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. Trump drops cryptic post Trump on Wednesday (Jan 14) offered a cryptic assessment of Iran’s future, suggesting the country’s clerical government could fall under the weight of mass protests that have rocked the nation for the past 18 days. However, he stopped short of backing any single opposition figure to take the current President Masoud Pezeshkian-led government's place. This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed. Speaking to news agency Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump said it was “possible” the government in Tehran could fall under the pressure of weeks of unrest that have rocked the country and reportedly left thousands dead in a violent crackdown. “Any regime can fail,” Trump said cryptically, adding, “Whether it falls or not, it’s going to be an interesting period of time.”

The battleship USS Abraham Lincoln, till recently was in the waters of South China Sea conducting routine operations including F-35C flight ops and live-fire drills.

US moving battleship from South China Sea to Middle East amid tension with Iran: Report

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 14) offered a cryptic assessment of Iran’s future, suggesting the country’s clerical government could fall under the weight of mass protests that have rocked the nation for the past 18 days. However, he stopped short of backing any single opposition figure to take the current President Masoud Pezeshkian-led government's place. This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-iran-has-stopped-killing-protesters-but-keeps-military-option-open-we-re-going-to-watch-it-and-see-1768438100885">Trump says Iran has 'stopped killing protesters,' but keeps military option open</a><h2>Iran could ‘fall’</h2>Speaking in an interview with Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump said it was “possible” the government in Tehran could fall under the pressure of weeks of unrest that have rocked the country and reportedly left thousands dead in a violent crackdown.“Any regime can fail,” Trump said cryptically, adding, “Whether it falls or not, it’s going to be an interesting period of time.”His remarks come as demonstrations across Iran have grown into the most serious challenge to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rights groups say security forces have used live ammunition, mass arrests and near-total internet blackouts to suppress dissent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oil-prices-plunge-nearly-3-after-trump-says-iran-protest-killings-have-stopped-markets-react-breaking-news-1768442763635">Oil prices plunge nearly 3% after Trump says Iran protest killings have stopped</a><h2>Will Trump back Iran’s exiled prince?</h2>When asked about Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s last shah, Trump was notably restrained. The POTUS said that the exiled prince “seems very nice”, but quickly added that he was unsure whether Pahlavi could command real support inside Iran. “I don't know how he'd play within his own country. And we really aren't up to that point yet.”However, he said he would be “fine” with Pahlavi leading Iran if Iranians accepted him. "I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me."<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unrest-allies-warn-iran-strike-could-backfire-boost-regime-1768414835053">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unrest-allies-warn-iran-strike-could-backfire-boost-regime-1768414835053/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump, in an interview, has hinted Iran’s clerical rule could collapse under the ongoing mass protests, but stopped short of backing a successor. As he claims killings have paused and keeps military action on the table, WION explains what his cryptic statement could mean.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 14) offered a cryptic assessment of Iran’s future, suggesting the country’s clerical government could fall under the weight of mass protests that have rocked the nation for the past 18 days. However, he stopped short of backing any single opposition figure to take the current President Masoud Pezeshkian-led government's place. This comes as Trump announced that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. He also said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if US military intervention was still needed. Also read | Trump says Iran has 'stopped killing protesters,' but keeps military option open Iran could ‘fall’ Speaking in an interview with Reuters at the Oval Office, Trump said it was “possible” the government in Tehran could fall under the pressure of weeks of unrest that have rocked the country and reportedly left thousands dead in a violent crackdown. “Any regime can fail,” Trump said cryptically, adding, “Whether it falls or not, it’s going to be an interesting period of time.” His remarks come as demonstrations across Iran have grown into the most serious challenge to clerical rule since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Rights groups say security forces have used live ammunition, mass arrests and near-total internet blackouts to suppress dissent. Also read | Oil prices plunge nearly 3% after Trump says Iran protest killings have stopped Will Trump back Iran’s exiled prince? When asked about Iranian opposition figure Reza Pahlavi, the US-based son of Iran’s last shah, Trump was notably restrained. The POTUS said that the exiled prince “seems very nice”, but quickly added that he was unsure whether Pahlavi could command real support inside Iran. “I don't know how he'd play within his own country. And we really aren't up to that point yet.” However, he said he would be “fine” with Pahlavi leading Iran if Iranians accepted him. "I don't know whether or not his country would accept his leadership, and certainly if they would, that would be fine with me." https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unrest-allies-warn-iran-strike-could-backfire-boost-regime-1768414835053/embed

Donald Trump, in an interview, has hinted Iran’s clerical rule could collapse under the ongoing mass protests, but stopped short of backing a successor. As he claims killings have paused and keeps military action on the table, WION explains what his cryptic statement could mean.

Trump drops cryptic hints on Iran, says regime could ‘FALL’ amid unrest; says this about exiled crown prince Pahlavi

Oil prices late on Thursday (Jan 15) dropped by three per cent following US President Donald Trump's comments that Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. West Texas Intermediate dropped 3.0 per cent to $60.16 per barrel while Brent crude was down 2.93 per cent to $64.57.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-iran-has-stopped-killing-protesters-but-keeps-military-option-open-we-re-going-to-watch-it-and-see-1768438100885">Donald Trump says Iran has 'stopped killing protesters,' but keeps military option open: 'We're going to watch it and see'</a><h2>What did Trump say?</h2>Speaking at the White House on Wednesday (Jan 14), Trump said he had received assurances from what he described as "very important sources on the other side" that the violent crackdown on demonstrations had stopped and that planned executions would not go ahead. He offered no further details and stressed that the information had not yet been independently confirmed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-accuses-us-of-plotting-regime-change-after-trump-tells-protestors-help-is-on-its-way-1768353184275">Iran accuses US of plotting 'regime change' after Trump tells protesters, 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY'</a>"They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place," Trump said. "There were supposed to be a lot of executions today, and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out."However, when pressed on whether US military action in Iran was now off the table, Trump struck a cautious note and said, "We're going to watch it and see what the process is".&nbsp;<h2>Oil prices experience volatility amid Iran-US tensions</h2>As the world awaits with bated breath a possible US military intervention in Iran, amid concerns that the situation could restrict supplies of crude, oil prices on Wednesday had risen by around 1.5 per cent. In the week which ended January 9, crude stocks had climbed by 3.4 million barrels to 422.4 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations of a 1.7 million-barrel draw.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unrest-allies-warn-iran-strike-could-backfire-boost-regime-1768414835053/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unrest-allies-warn-iran-strike-could-backfire-boost-regime-1768414835053/embed</a>Analyst Michael Wan of financial group MUFG, who earlier this week noted that Iran makes up three per cent of global oil production, on Thursday said that Trump's latest comments "come even as the United States has redeployed some personnel in Qatar and other American bases from ongoing geopolitical tensions and possible Iranian threats to target those locations".&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Oil prices slid nearly 3 per cent after Donald Trump said Iran had halted killings of protesters, easing fears of imminent US military action. Markets reacted fast as geopolitical risk cooled, although uncertainty over Iran and US moves remains.

Oil prices late on Thursday (Jan 15) dropped by three per cent following US President Donald Trump's comments that Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. West Texas Intermediate dropped 3.0 per cent to $60.16 per barrel while Brent crude was down 2.93 per cent to $64.57. Also read | Donald Trump says Iran has 'stopped killing protesters,' but keeps military option open: 'We're going to watch it and see' What did Trump say? Speaking at the White House on Wednesday (Jan 14), Trump said he had received assurances from what he described as "very important sources on the other side" that the violent crackdown on demonstrations had stopped and that planned executions would not go ahead. He offered no further details and stressed that the information had not yet been independently confirmed. Also read | Iran accuses US of plotting 'regime change' after Trump tells protesters, 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY' "They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place," Trump said. "There were supposed to be a lot of executions today, and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out." However, when pressed on whether US military action in Iran was now off the table, Trump struck a cautious note and said, "We're going to watch it and see what the process is". Oil prices experience volatility amid Iran-US tensions As the world awaits with bated breath a possible US military intervention in Iran, amid concerns that the situation could restrict supplies of crude, oil prices on Wednesday had risen by around 1.5 per cent. In the week which ended January 9, crude stocks had climbed by 3.4 million barrels to 422.4 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations of a 1.7 million-barrel draw. https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-unrest-allies-warn-iran-strike-could-backfire-boost-regime-1768414835053/embed Analyst Michael Wan of financial group MUFG, who earlier this week noted that Iran makes up three per cent of global oil production, on Thursday said that Trump's latest comments "come even as the United States has redeployed some personnel in Qatar and other American bases from ongoing geopolitical tensions and possible Iranian threats to target those locations".

Oil prices slid nearly 3 per cent after Donald Trump said Iran had halted killings of protesters, easing fears of imminent US military action. Markets reacted fast as geopolitical risk cooled, although uncertainty over Iran and US moves remains.

Oil prices plunge nearly 3% after Trump says Iran protest killings have stopped | Markets react

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 14) said that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. However, he said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if the threatened military action was still needed. In recent days, the POTUS has spoken about coming to the aid of protesters in Iran, even posting on Truth Social, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY", while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests.<h2>'Executions won't take place'</h2>Speaking at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from what he described as "very important sources on the other side" that the violent crackdown on demonstrations had stopped and that planned executions would not go ahead. He offered no further details and stressed that the information had not yet been independently confirmed.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-accuses-us-of-plotting-regime-change-after-trump-tells-protestors-help-is-on-its-way-1768353184275">Iran accuses US of plotting 'regime change' after Trump tells protesters, 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY'</a>"They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place," Trump said. "There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out."Pressed on whether US military action was now off the table, Trump struck a cautious note. "We're going to watch it and see what the process is," he said.<h2>'No hanging,' confirms Iran, Erfan Soltani safe for now</h2>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later confirmed that the hanging has been paused for now. In an interview with Fox News, he said there would be "no hanging today or tomorrow," and insisted there was no plan for executions. "I can tell you, I'm confident that there is no plan for hanging," Araghchi said while accusing Israel of fueling unrest, without offering evidence. He, however, insisted that the Iranian government was "in full control" after what he described as days of "terrorist operations."Separately, a rights group said the execution of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, would not go ahead, citing information from his family.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-in-the-crosshairs-as-trump-announces-25-tariff-on-iran-trade-partners-protest-death-toll-rises-to-648-1768273204068">India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners; protest death toll rises to 648</a>

Trump says Iran has paused killings and executions after his warnings of “strong action,” but added that he is still watching closely. Tehran has also confirmed that there will be no hangings for now. 

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jan 14) said that he had been told Iran's security forces had stopped killing protesters. However, he said that he would "watch it and see" before deciding if the threatened military action was still needed. In recent days, the POTUS has spoken about coming to the aid of protesters in Iran, even posting on Truth Social, "HELP IS ON ITS WAY", while threatening "strong action" over Tehran's violent crackdown on nationwide protests. 'Executions won't take place' Speaking at the White House, Trump said he had received assurances from what he described as "very important sources on the other side" that the violent crackdown on demonstrations had stopped and that planned executions would not go ahead. He offered no further details and stressed that the information had not yet been independently confirmed. Also read | Iran accuses US of plotting 'regime change' after Trump tells protesters, 'HELP IS ON ITS WAY' "They've said the killing has stopped and the executions won't take place," Trump said. "There were supposed to be a lot of executions today and that the executions won't take place -- and we're going to find out." Pressed on whether US military action was now off the table, Trump struck a cautious note. "We're going to watch it and see what the process is," he said. 'No hanging,' confirms Iran, Erfan Soltani safe for now Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later confirmed that the hanging has been paused for now. In an interview with Fox News, he said there would be "no hanging today or tomorrow," and insisted there was no plan for executions. "I can tell you, I'm confident that there is no plan for hanging," Araghchi said while accusing Israel of fueling unrest, without offering evidence. He, however, insisted that the Iranian government was "in full control" after what he described as days of "terrorist operations." Separately, a rights group said the execution of 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, would not go ahead, citing information from his family. Also read | India in the crosshairs as Trump announces 25% tariff on Iran trade partners; protest death toll rises to 648

Trump says Iran has paused killings and executions after his warnings of “strong action,” but added that he is still watching closely. Tehran has also confirmed that there will be no hangings for now.&nbsp;

Donald Trump says Iran has 'stopped killing protesters,' but keeps military option open: 'We're going to watch it and see'

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