Dhaka, Jan. 15 -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had been told "on good authority" that Iran has stopped plans to carry out executions, even as Tehran signals fast-track trials and harsh punishments for thousands detained in its nationwide crackdown on protesters.

The U.S. president made the claim without providing details, days after telling protesting Iranians that "help is on the way" and that his administration would "act accordingly" in response to the Iranian government's actions.

However, Trump did not explain how Washington might respond and it was unclear whether his remarks suggested a delay in any possible U.S. action.

Earlier in the day, Iran's judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei said authorities must ...