Iran's prosecutor general has countered U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that Iran had canceled more than 800 executions, calling it a "complete lie," as tensions between the United States and Iran escalate again.

Last week, President Trump stated on Truth Social, "I deeply respect the leader of Iran and the Iran regime for stopping all executions of more than 800 people that were scheduled to be carried out yesterday. Thank you!"

However, Iran's chief prosecutor, Mohammad Movahedi, told the Associated Press in an interview on the 23rd, "This claim is completely false. Such figures do not exist, and the judiciary has never made such a decision."

Movahedi added, according to Mizan News, affiliated with the Iranian judiciary, "We have a separation of powers, the responsibilities of each branch are clearly defined, and under no circumstances do we take instructions from foreign powers."

Fox News Digital, citing a White House official, reported that President Trump is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and that all options are on the table if the Tehran regime executes protesters.

The Associated Press, citing the U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, reported that as of Friday, 5,032 people have died in Iran as a result of the crackdown on anti-government protests.

The Iranian government announced its first death toll on the 23rd, stating that 3,117 people had died. The government claimed that among those killed in the protests, which began on December 28th, 2,427 were civilians and security forces, with the rest being "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Reuters reported on the 22nd that two U.S. officials stated that a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group and other assets were expected to arrive in the Middle East within days.

This marks the first official confirmation following President Trump's statement that a large fleet was heading to the Middle East, while expressing hope to avoid further military action against Iran.

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on the 22nd that a "major fleet" was heading to Iran, hinting at the possibility of using military force if the Tehran regime continues to kill its own people to maintain power.

Speaking on his return flight from the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, he said, "A major fleet is heading in that direction. A massive number of forces are moving towards Iran. We hope nothing happens, but we are watching them very, very closely."

President Trump stated that the Tehran regime refrained from executing 837 prisoners on Thursday due to U.S. pressure.

One official also revealed that the possibility of deploying additional air defense systems in the Middle East is being considered.

By NNP Representative Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com