Iranian police announced the seizure of nearly 60,000 illegal weapons during an operation in the southern city of Bushehr, according to a statement released on January 17, 2026. Two suspected terrorists were arrested in the raid, and the weapons were reportedly being transported to the capital, Tehran. The statement, cited by Press TV, said the country’s intelligence forces identified and detained members of a 'dangerous and armed terrorist group' allegedly trained by Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad.

Authorities claimed the group had been assigned to carry out killings and was involved in multiple terrorist activities. The weapons were said to have been obtained from smugglers. The announcement came as Iran faced widespread anti-government protests that have continued for about 20 days across the country.

The demonstrations began on December 28 in response to the falling value of the Iranian rial and rising living costs. The protests have since turned violent, marking the largest unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss the current situation in Iran. During the call, Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of inciting violence in recent protests, which he said had turned from peaceful demonstrations into violent unrest. He emphasized that Iran’s domestic policies are people-centered and aimed at addressing citizens’ legitimate demands and challenges caused by sanctions. Pezeshkian also noted that large public gatherings across the country had thwarted what he described as rioters’ conspiracies.

Putin stated that Russia is closely monitoring developments in Iran and acknowledged that long-term sanctions have created economic and social difficulties there. According to a Kremlin statement, Pezeshkian briefed Putin on the government’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the situation and reduce tensions. Both leaders agreed that emerging issues in Iran and the wider Middle East should be resolved through political and diplomatic means.

The Kremlin added that Putin and Pezeshkian also agreed to further strengthen the strategic, mutually committed relationship between Russia and Iran across various sectors.

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly thanked Iran for suspending the executions of detained protesters. In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump said Tehran had halted the death sentences of hundreds of protesters who were scheduled to be executed on Thursday. He expressed gratitude to Iran’s leadership for the move.

Trump dismissed claims that Gulf countries or Israel had influenced him to refrain from attacking Iran, saying instead that Iran’s actions had shaped his decision not to strike. Speaking to reporters while leaving the White House for Florida over the weekend, he said no one persuaded him and that the cancellation of executions had a major impact. The White House confirmed on Thursday that Iranian authorities had suspended 800 planned executions and stated that the situation was being closely monitored.

Trump has repeatedly voiced support for Iranian protesters, urging them earlier in the week to continue demonstrations and seize state institutions, promising that help was on the way.

Fresh protests have erupted across Iran, posing a potentially greater threat to the government than the 2022 unrest. Unlike that earlier wave, Arab states have remained largely silent this time. Their news outlets are giving little coverage, and officials appear nervous and reluctant to comment. The shift contrasts sharply with 2022, when Gulf-funded media showed sympathy for Iranian protesters and Arab diplomats privately welcomed Tehran’s troubles.

Two main reasons explain this silence. First, Iran’s regional power has diminished since October 2023, as Israel’s wars have crippled Tehran’s proxy network, including Hezbollah and Syrian allies. Second, Gulf governments fear instability. They worry that Iran’s collapse could unleash refugees, uncontrolled weapons, and regional chaos. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has also threatened action if Tehran kills protesters, adding to Arab anxiety about potential escalation.

Arab leaders now prefer stability over confrontation. They do not support Iran’s current regime but fear that its fall could worsen regional disorder. Their cautious silence reflects exhaustion from years of conflict and a desire to avoid new turmoil near their borders.

A senior Saudi official has revealed that three Gulf countries—Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman—convinced U.S. President Donald Trump not to launch an attack on Iran. The official, speaking anonymously to AFP, said the countries engaged in intense last-minute diplomatic efforts to persuade Trump to allow Iran an opportunity to demonstrate goodwill. He added that discussions on the matter are still ongoing.

Earlier, President Trump had threatened strong action against Iran if protesters were executed. However, on Wednesday, Trump stated that he had been assured the killing of anti-government protesters in Iran had stopped. He said he learned that executions had been suspended, though he did not specify the source of this information, describing it only as coming from a “very important source.”

The report indicates that Gulf diplomacy played a key role in de-escalating immediate tensions between Washington and Tehran, with further talks continuing among the involved parties.

A senior United Nations official warned on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump’s military threats are further destabilizing Iran’s already tense situation. The statement came as large anti-government protests erupted across Iran last week, though the demonstrations have slowed due to internet restrictions and harsh crackdowns. The United States has cautioned that executing detained protesters could trigger military risks.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee told the Security Council that public remarks suggesting possible military action against Iran were deeply concerning and risked worsening the volatile environment. Iran’s representative, Gholamhossein Darzi, accused the United States of exploiting peaceful protests for geopolitical purposes. Iranian-American journalist Masih Alinejad, invited by the U.S. to speak, said millions of Iranians were united against the religious regime and demanded an end to the diversion of national funds to militant groups.

A U.S. judge in October sentenced two men to 25 years in prison for plotting to kill Alinejad, allegedly under Iranian direction. U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz reaffirmed Washington’s support for Iranian protesters, warning that Tehran’s repression threatens international peace and security.

The United States has claimed that Iran has suspended the death sentences of nearly 800 protesters. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt made the statement on Thursday, saying President Donald Trump’s administration is closely monitoring the situation in Iran. According to Levitt, the president has been informed that 800 executions have been halted, and all options remain open regarding the U.S. response.

The protests in Iran began on December 28 in response to the falling value of the Iranian rial and rising living costs, later evolving into anti-government demonstrations. President Trump has openly expressed support for the protesters and warned of possible tough measures against Tehran.

The White House’s remarks highlight Washington’s continued scrutiny of Iran’s internal unrest and signal potential diplomatic or policy actions depending on future developments.

Arab allies of the United States have opposed any potential American military strike on Iran as protests in Tehran entered their 19th day. The demonstrations, which began on December 28 over rising prices and economic hardship, have turned violent. US President Donald Trump warned that Washington would take strong action if Iranian authorities suppress protesters, but Gulf Arab partners are urging restraint and diplomacy instead of aggression.

A Norway-based rights group, Iran Human Rights, reported that at least 3,428 protesters were killed during 18 days of unrest, citing Iranian health ministry sources. Iranian Foreign Minister Sayed Abbas Araghchi dismissed the figures as propaganda by the US and Israel, claiming extremists infiltrated the protests. Trump said he received reports that killings had stopped but did not comment on possible military action.

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, and Qatar have called for diplomatic solutions, warning that a US attack could destabilize the region and damage their own security and economic image. Analysts noted that even Saudi Arabia, despite tensions with Iran, opposes a US strike fearing regional instability and Israeli dominance.

US President Donald Trump has voiced doubts about whether the Iranian people would accept Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last deposed Shah, as their leader. In an interview with Reuters, Trump described Pahlavi as a very polite man but said he was uncertain about how much support Pahlavi would have inside Iran. He added that the situation had not yet reached a stage where such leadership could be confirmed.

Reza Pahlavi, who has lived in exile in the United States for decades, remains one of the most recognizable Iranian political figures abroad. Born in Tehran in 1960 and once designated crown prince, his prospects for rule ended after the 1979 revolution. Pahlavi has recently called on protesters to bring down Iran’s current ruling system.

Trump’s remarks, following his earlier statement that he had no plans to meet Pahlavi, have further highlighted questions about Pahlavi’s leadership viability and domestic acceptance within Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has no plans to execute anti-government protesters. He made the remarks in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday. His comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had been assured that killings of protesters in Iran had stopped, according to Al Jazeera.

When asked about possible executions, Araghchi said the question of carrying out death sentences does not arise. Earlier, Trump told reporters he was informed that the killing of protesters had ceased and that planned executions were suspended. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump mentioned receiving the information from what he described as a very important source but did not specify who it was.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent Mike Hanna reported from Washington, D.C., that Trump’s tone toward Iran appeared softer, suggesting a possible cooling of tensions. Hanna added that Trump seemed to be considering various options after being briefed by his national security team, indicating a potential move away from immediate escalation.

Iran reopened its airspace after keeping it closed for nearly five hours due to concerns over possible military tensions with the United States. The temporary closure led several airlines to cancel, reroute, or delay flights. According to a notice published on the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website, Iran announced the closure of its airspace to all flights at 5:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday, though government-authorized international flights were still allowed to enter and leave the country.

Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported that the notice was withdrawn shortly before 10 p.m. Eastern Time, equivalent to 0300 GMT. Following the reopening, five flights operated by Iranian carriers Mahan Air, Yazd Airways, and Ava Airlines resumed operations through Iranian airspace.

The temporary closure and subsequent reopening occurred against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, raising renewed concerns about the safety and stability of international air travel in the region.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he has been assured that the killing of anti-government protesters in Iran has stopped. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office on Wednesday, Trump stated that he learned executions of protesters had also been suspended. He did not specify the source of this information but described it as coming from 'very important sources.' Trump added that the situation in Iran would continue to be closely monitored and did not rule out possible U.S. military action, noting that a formal statement would be issued later.

In a separate interview with Fox News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there were no plans to execute anti-government protesters. The protests in Iran began over the country’s economic crisis, with years of currency devaluation making the Iranian rial one of the world’s weakest currencies. The report noted that one U.S. dollar currently equals 994,055 Iranian rials.

The statements from both sides suggest a temporary easing of tensions, though the situation remains under observation by the U.S. administration.

Iran has suspended the execution of 26-year-old Erfan Soltani, who was sentenced to death for participating in anti-government protests. His family and the Norway-based human rights organization Hengaw confirmed the suspension, according to CNN. Soltani, a small business owner from Karaj near Tehran, was arrested on January 8 for allegedly joining demonstrations. Within three days, he was tried and sentenced to death without the presence of family or friends in court. The Guardian reported that his sister, a registered lawyer, was not allowed to participate in the proceedings.

A relative named Somayeh said the family learned that the execution had not been carried out but had not yet been canceled, and they were awaiting further information. Hengaw later confirmed the suspension of the death sentence. On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump stated in Washington that killings of protesters in Iran had stopped and planned executions of detainees were on hold, with Soltani’s suspension reported hours after his remarks.

The United Kingdom has temporarily closed its embassy in Tehran, Iran, citing security concerns. A government statement released on Wednesday confirmed the decision, noting that the embassy will now operate remotely. According to a British official, the ambassador and all consular staff have been withdrawn from Iran after a review of the security situation, emphasizing that the safety of personnel was the top priority.

Iran is currently facing one of the largest waves of violent protests in its history, triggered by economic deterioration and the sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial. The unrest began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar and has since spread to several cities. The situation has been further strained by threats of intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Several European countries, including Italy, Poland, Germany, and Spain, have also issued urgent advisories for their citizens to leave Iran due to the worsening security environment. The ongoing instability and fears of possible U.S. military action have heightened regional tensions.

Exiled Iranian figure Reza Pahlavi, son of the country’s last deposed Shah, presented his vision for a future Iran following the fall of the Islamic Republic. In a message posted Wednesday on social media platform X, he said a new Iran would end its nuclear military program, recognize Israel, and seek normalized relations with the United States.

Addressing “friends” around the world, Pahlavi stated that Iran’s current global image is defined by terrorism, extremism, and poverty. He argued that a free Iran would contribute to regional stability and act as a responsible global partner. On security and foreign policy, he pledged to halt support for terrorist groups and cooperate internationally against terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and extremist Islamism.

Pahlavi also emphasized economic openness, describing Iran as one of the world’s largest untapped markets. He said the country would aim to become a reliable global energy supplier and adopt international standards of transparency and good governance. He called for international support for the Iranian people, envisioning a free Iran as a force for peace and prosperity.