Trump says Iran unrest may be easing

• Trump believes Iran has no plan for mass executions.
• Says 'very important sources' briefed him on Iran situation.
• Did not rule out possible military action against Iran.

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said he has been told that killings in Iran’s crackdown on nationwide protests were easing and that he believes there is currently no plan for large-scale executions, even as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high.

Asked who told him that the killings had stopped, Trump described them as “very important sources on the other side”.

The president did not rule out potential US military action, saying “we are going to watch what the process is” before noting the US administration had received a “very good statement” from Iran.

Trump’s comments appeared to signal a cautious easing of fears that the crisis in Iran could escalate into a broader regional confrontation.

In a televised interview on Monday, Trump had warned that the United States would take “very strong action” if Iran’s authorities went ahead with executing protesters they had detained during widespread unrest.