Trump says he convinced himself not to strike Iran

RFL stated this in an article, Ukrinform reports.

"Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself," Trump told reporters at the White House on January 16 when asked whether Arab and Israeli officials had convinced him to refrain from strikes.

"You had yesterday scheduled over 800 hangings. They didn't hang anyone. They canceled the hangings. That had a big impact," Trump explained his decision.

The Islamic Republic of Iran has faced one of the most serious challenges to its existence in recent years after demonstrations over economic problems began on December 28, 2025, escalating into anti-government protests.

As Ukrinform previously reported, on Thursday White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that 800 planned executions in Iran had been halted after Trump warned the regime in Tehran of serious consequences if the killing of protest participants continued. Trump later thanked the Iranian authorities for canceling the executions of hundreds of protesters.

Human rights activists said that more than 3,000 people were killed during nationwide protests in Iran. However, rights groups warn that the actual death toll is likely higher due to an internet shutdown imposed starting January 8.

Photo: Office of the President