Relative calm in Tehran and authorities say they have no plan to execute protesters but internet shutdown continues
Iran’s nationwide protest movement appeared to have slowed on Thursday under the weight of a brutal crackdown by authorities that has left thousands dead and put tens of thousands in prison.
In Tehran, Iranians reported relative calm on the streets as the sound of gunfire faded and fires were extinguished – a marked contrast from the weeks before when large crowds confronted security forces.
The slowdown of protests came just two days after Donald Trump urged Iranians to “keep protesting – take over your institutions”, promising “help is on its way”. Intelligence assessments had indicated that the US was preparing to strike Iran, a move Trump had threatened if Iran’s government killed protesters.
But on Wednesday night Trump appeared to walk back from the brink of a military intervention, telling reporters that Iranian authorities were halting executions.
