US President Donald Trump claims Iran has halted plans for executing detained protesters, but refused to take the idea of military action off the table.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he had been told Iranian authorities had "no plans" for executions, despite previous announcements from Tehran the first of them would begin today.
"No, we're going to watch and see what the process is. But we were given a very good, very good statement by people that are aware of what's going on," Trump said when asked if he'd taken a military strike off the table.
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"They say no executions. Everyone is talking about a lot of executions were taking place today. We were just told no executions, I hope that's true, that's a big thing."
Earlier, news emerged that the US was moving hundreds of personnel out of its military bases, a potential sign of a prepared strike on Iran, after Trump threatened "strong action" against Iran in the wake of its brutal crackdown on mass nationwide protests.
The country remains in an official internet blackout, though Starlink is believed to be providing free web access there.
It's believed at least 2400 people have been killed in the protests so far, with up to 20,000 detained.
Trump posted on Truth Social that help was "on the way" for protesters, and urged them to stay out on the streets.
However, the US so far has not moved on Iran, and Trump has continued to make threats, most recently on the prospect of public executions.
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"If they hang them, you're going to see some things that are – I don't know what you're where you come from and what your thought process is – but you'll perhaps be very happy," he told reporters.
"We will take very strong action."
Meanwhile, the US has moved personnel out of military bases in the Middle East, including its largest in Qatar, leading to speculation plans for an operation could be underway.
A US official told CNN personnel had been advised to leave the Qatar base as a "precaution".
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Two European officials have told Reuters US intervention in Iran could come in the next 24 hours, while an Israeli official also said Trump appears to have decided to take military action.
"All the signals are that a US attack is imminent, but that is also how this administration behaves to keep everyone on their toes," another Western military official said.
"Unpredictability is part of the strategy."
The Tehran regime has blamed foreign agitators including the US for the mass protests and threatened to strike back if attacked.
Meanwhile, regional neighbours of Iran are urging the US to hold fire, concerned by the prospect of widespread conflict.
Arab and Turkish officials have significantly intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran this week, sources told CNN.
"Any military escalation will have consequences for the wider region, including its security and economy," a regional official with knowledge of the matter told CNN on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman have launched diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, the official said.
Arab governments have warned that an attack now could have the "opposite effect and unite Iranians on both sides behind the regime," the regional official said.
Trump last week announced the US was pulling out of all diplomatic meetings with Iranian officials.
– with CNN, Reuters
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