Washington: The Donald Trump administration has issued new Iran-related sanctions, targeting more than a dozen individuals and entities, according to a post on the US Department of Treasury website, as security was heavily reinforced across Tehran as uncertainty grows over what may come next.
Iran’s airspace has reopened to traffic after a temporary closure to most flights expired. Protests that rocked Iran in the last few weeks have also mostly subsided.
Meanwhile, Trump has informed Iran that the United States will not launch military action against the Islamic Republic, according to statements from both US and Iranian officials as reported by the Jerusalem Post. The announcement came amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran that have led to significant casualties and heightened regional tensions.
The Jerusalem Post, citing a report from Pakistani media outlet Dawn, which quoted Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, said that Trump requested restraint from Iran while assuring there were no plans for a US strike.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, "We were told that the killing in Iran is stopping, and there’s no plan for executions," adding, "I've been told that on good authority. We’ll find out about it. I'm sure if it happens, I'll be very upset".
Earlier, Iran issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), shutting its airspace to all flights except those to or from Iran with special permission.
The United States has begun partial withdrawals of personnel from Middle East bases amid heightened tensions. A US official said this was a precaution due to threats from Iran, which warned that any American strike could trigger attacks on US bases in the region.
Iran is experiencing its most violent protests since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, triggered by economic hardships and political grievances. Human rights groups report over 2,400 protesters killed and at least 147 government-affiliated deaths. Meanwhile, Iran's judiciary has denied claims that 26-year-old protester Erfan Soltani, detained during the ongoing unrest, has been sentenced to death.
Trump had repeatedly threatened to intervene if the executions of protesters proceeded. In past interviews, he promised “very strong action” and encouraged Iranians to continue protesting.
