Iran's judiciary stated Thursday that it had not issued a death sentence for Erfan Soltani, a protester whose imminent execution had been widely reported, drawing international condemnation. The announcement, reported by Iran's state broadcaster and disseminated on social media, comes amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing scrutiny of Iran's human rights record.

The case of Mr. Soltani, 26, gained international attention after his family and human rights organizations reported he was sentenced to death shortly after his arrest in early January. The charges against him remain unclear, but his case became emblematic of concerns over the Iranian government's response to recent protests.

President Trump commented on the situation Wednesday, stating he had been informed that the execution of protesters would not proceed and that killings in Iran had ceased, though he provided no specific details. He reiterated this sentiment on Thursday via social media, citing an unspecified Fox News report that claimed Mr. Soltani and other unnamed protesters would not be sentenced to death. "This is good news," Mr. Trump said, adding, "Hopefully, it will continue!"

The initial reports of Mr. Soltani's death sentence sparked outrage from international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, which have long criticized Iran's use of the death penalty, particularly in cases involving political dissent. These organizations have documented numerous instances of unfair trials and coerced confessions in Iran's judicial system.

Iran has faced periodic waves of protests in recent years, often triggered by economic grievances, political restrictions, and social issues. The government's response to these protests has frequently involved the use of force, mass arrests, and restrictions on internet access. The international community has repeatedly called on Iran to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

Adding to the regional tensions, Iranian state media reported Thursday that the country's airspace had reopened after being restricted for several hours, a move that fueled concerns about a potential military confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. Mr. Trump has recently stated his intention to intervene to protect protesters in Iran, further escalating tensions. The situation remains fluid, and the international community continues to monitor developments closely, urging restraint and respect for human rights.