They were going to hang over 800 people yesterday but they canceled that – Donald Trump

United States President, Donald Trump, has said a recent decision by Iranian authorities to halt mass executions played a major role in shaping his approach toward the country, describing the development as significant and deserving of recognition.

Trump made the remark during a wide-ranging interview with Forbes Breaking News, where he was asked about escalating tensions involving Iran and whether pressure from international actors influenced his decisions.

“They were going to hang over 800 people yesterday and I greatly respect the fact that they canceled that,” Trump said, while explaining why he reconsidered certain actions regarding Iran.

According to Trump, the reported suspension of the executions had a “big impact” on his thinking, insisting that the move demonstrated a shift that warranted attention. He rejected suggestions that Arab or Israeli officials convinced him to refrain from military action, stressing that the decision was entirely his own.

“Nobody convinced me. I convinced myself,” he added, maintaining that unfolding events on the ground informed his judgment.

The former president also addressed earlier comments in which he urged protesters in Iran to continue pushing for change, amid speculation about whether external support was still forthcoming. While stopping short of detailing specific actions, Trump pointed to the halted executions as evidence that pressure had already produced results.

Beyond Iran, Trump used the interview to reiterate his broader foreign policy stance, highlighting what he described as America’s military strength and global influence. He argued that firm positioning and credible threats often deter violence and force adversaries to reconsider extreme measures.

Trump further linked developments in Iran to wider regional security dynamics, referencing previous US actions that targeted strategic capabilities in the Middle East. He suggested that strength, rather than hesitation, remains the most effective tool in dealing with hostile regimes.

The president also spoke on Venezuela, global trade and national security, portraying his foreign policy approach as pragmatic and results-driven. He cited examples where economic pressure, diplomacy and military readiness were combined to achieve outcomes without prolonged conflict.

Political analysts say Trump’s comments on Iran reflect his long-standing belief that strong rhetoric and pressure can influence authoritarian governments. Supporters argue that his approach helped prevent loss of life, while critics caution that such statements risk escalating tensions and oversimplifying complex diplomatic situations.

Human rights advocates, meanwhile, have long condemned mass executions in Iran and have repeatedly called on the international community to apply sustained pressure to curb capital punishment in the country.

Trump’s remarks have renewed debate over the effectiveness of hardline foreign policy tactics and the role of global pressure in addressing human rights concerns.

As geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the former president’s comments are expected to fuel further discussion about how world powers should respond to human rights abuses while balancing security and diplomatic interests on the global stage.