US President Donald Trump has called for the release of eight women awaiting execution in Iran for participating in the January 2026 protests, and said their release would be a ”great start to peace negotiations.”
Trump framed his request as a diplomatic gesture ahead of any planned peace negotiations. His appeal came a day before he announced unilateral extension of ceasefire with Iran.
”To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women. I am sure they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations,” Trump said on his social media platform.
In a related development, a senior official of Iran’s civil defence authority was executed after being convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad, Mizan news, official media outlet of Iranian judiciary, reported on Wednesday.
The official, Mehdi Farid, was hanged after Iran’s Supreme Court upheld his conviction, according to Mizan.
During the investigation, Farid reportedly confessed to attempting to pass sensitive information to Israeli intelligence, including organisational charts, the layout of internal buildings, security details of defence facilities and personnel records, according to the news outlet.
About the eight women on death row, Trump shared a screenshot of their pictures, originally posted on X by activist Eyal Yakoby. However, the names and identities of all eight have not been disclosed.
The women are reportedly facing execution for their involvement in the January 2026 protests or on suspicion of aiding the enemy during the ongoing conflict.
Iranian authorities have not officially confirmed the specific execution plans for these eight women.
On Monday, Mohammad Masoom Shahi, 38, and Hamed Validi, 45, were executed at dawn in a prison outside Tehran.
With the executions, at least 15 political prisoners have been executed since March 19, officials said.
