Trump expresses appreciation to Iran for canceling the planned execution of 8 women

• President Trump announced that the 8 Iranian women earlier scheduled for execution will no longer be executed.

• Trump thanked the Iranian government for granting his request not to have the women executed.

• The development is expected to positively impact ongoing talks between both countries.

In a post shared on his Truth Social media account and published on X by the White House account, Trump described the development as good news and thanked the Iranian government for acceding to his request.

The release of the 8 Iranian women comes two days after President Trump demanded that the Iranian government release all 8 women as a way to kick-start the negotiations for a peace deal between both countries.

"Very good news! I have just been informed that the eight women protestors who were going to be executed tonight in Iran will no longer be killed. Four will be released immediately, and four will be sentenced to one month in prison. I very much appreciate that Iran, and its leaders, respected my request, as President of the United States, and terminated the planned execution."

"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 that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!"

The move by the Islamic Republic suggests goodwill that could steer the ongoing negotiations between the two countries in Islamabad in the right direction. Ahead of the talks facilitated by the Pakistani President and the Chief of Defence, President Trump said he would extend the ceasefire agreement with Iran to give the country a chance to form a government and present the US with a unified proposal.

However, while the US has yet to resume attacks in Iran since the ceasefire was agreed two weeks ago, Trump has ordered a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to stop the Iranians from selling oil and also receiving weapons supplies.

On April 19, President Trump announced that an American Navy ship had seized an Iranian-flagged commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman. Pentagon later revealed that the ship, which was en route from Beijing, China, to Iran, contained chemicals used in making ballistic missiles.

Iran has described the seizure as an act of war and accused America of engaging in hostilities that undermine the ongoing peace talks. In retaliation, the Iranians carried out drone attacks on US ships in the Arabian Sea, and the country's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, vowed that they would resist bullying.

The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, said that while the Iranian government welcomes dialogue and agreements, the US breach of commitments, blockades, and threats are the obstacles to genuine negotiations.