United States President Donald Trump has called on Iran to release eight women reportedly facing execution, framing it as a possible step toward easing tensions ahead of fresh talks.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Iranian leaders to show restraint and spare the women, saying their release could help build goodwill as both sides prepare for negotiations.
“I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” he wrote, adding that it would be “a great start” to discussions.
The appeal follows claims circulating online shared by pro-Israel activist Eyal Yakoby that the Iranian government plans to execute eight female detainees linked to the anti-government protests that swept the country earlier this year.
Among those named is Bita Hemmati, who was arrested during the January demonstrations.
Reports from opposition groups say she and others were accused of serious offences, including involvement in violent protests, and later sentenced to death.
Her husband and two other men arrested alongside her reportedly received the same sentence.
Also listed are Diana Taherabadi, said to be just 16, and Mahboubeh Shabani, who was reportedly detained for helping injured protesters.
Like many others arrested during the unrest, they were charged with crimes against the state offences that can carry the death penalty under Iranian law.
Another woman, Venus Hosseinnejad, was allegedly forced to confess on state television after her arrest, while Golnaz Naraghi, a doctor, was reportedly detained and made to sign a confession while in custody.
Details about several of the other women mentioned Ghazal Ghalandari, Panah Movahedi, and Ensieh Nejati remain unclear and have not been independently confirmed.
Human rights organisations have long accused Iran of using rushed or unfair trials against protesters, especially following the wave of demonstrations earlier this year.
According to rights groups, tens of thousands of people were detained during the unrest, with hundreds reportedly executed in its aftermath.
