Executions, as well as the killing of peaceful protesters, are two of the red lines laid down by Trump for possible action against Iran. AdvertisementA woman crosses an intersection in downtown Tehran, Iran, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) via Associated PressTrump did not clarify who he spoke to in Iran to confirm the state of any planned executions. Despite support by diehard monarchists in the diaspora, Pahlavi has struggled to gain wider appeal within Iran. But that has not stopped him from presenting himself as the transitional leader of Iran if the regime were to fall.

Source: Huffington Post January 17, 2026 00:51 UTC