The United States said on Thursday that Iran halted the planned execution of 800 protesters after pressure from President Donald Trump, as Washington stepped back from immediate military action while keeping “all options” available. The announcement came amid intensified diplomatic efforts by Gulf allies to de-escalate tensions following Iran’s deadly crackdown on nationwide demonstrations.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president had received information indicating the executions, scheduled for the previous day, were stopped. She said Trump had warned Tehran of “grave consequences” if the killing of demonstrators continued, even as the administration signaled a temporary easing of its rhetoric. Over the past week, Iran has witnessed some of the largest anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic’s history, though demonstrations appear to have subsided amid repression and a prolonged internet blackout.

Human rights groups say the toll has been severe. Norway-based Iran Human Rights reported that at least 3,428 protesters have been killed, cautioning that the final number could be significantly higher. The U.S. Treasury announced fresh sanctions targeting Iranian officials on Thursday, adding to existing measures linked to Iran’s nuclear program and economic pressures that helped fuel the unrest.

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Behind the scenes, Gulf states worked to avert a wider conflict. Senior officials said Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman led urgent diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump to give Iran an opportunity to show restraint, warning of serious regional repercussions if military action followed. Messages were also conveyed to Tehran that attacks on U.S. facilities would have consequences, while Saudi Arabia indicated it would not allow its territory or airspace to be used for strikes against Iran.

Iranian authorities have blamed “rioters” allegedly backed by the U.S. and Israel, pledging swift justice that activists fear could lead to executions. However, Iranian officials said on Thursday that a high-profile detainee, Erfan Soltani, had not been sentenced to death and would face imprisonment if convicted. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told U.S. media there would be “no hanging today or tomorrow,” while asserting the government remained in control.

The developments unfolded ahead of a U.S.-requested UN Security Council meeting on Iran, as countries including Switzerland and Canada voiced concern over the crackdown. Canada confirmed that one of its citizens was killed during the protests. Trump welcomed the reported halt in executions, calling it “good news,” while international pressure continued for Iran to ease repression and allow diplomatic efforts to proceed.

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