JUST IN: Trump Deflects Question on Iran’s Planned Execution of Four Protesters — Including First Woman — by Saying “Tell That to the Pope”
Reflecto News
April 16, 2026
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to a reporter’s question about Iran’s reported plan to execute four more protesters — including the first woman linked to the January 2026 anti-regime uprising — by directing the issue to Pope Leo XIV, saying simply: “Tell that to the Pope.”
The exchange occurred amid escalating tensions over Iran’s human rights record, its nuclear program, and the fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), have raised alarms that Bita Hemmati, along with three male co-defendants, faces imminent execution following death sentences tied to protests in Tehran earlier this year. Hemmati would be the first woman executed in connection with the 2026 unrest.
When asked directly what he would tell Iran regarding the executions, Trump replied: “Tell that to the Pope.” The comment comes as part of an ongoing public feud between the president and the first American-born pontiff, with Trump repeatedly urging Pope Leo XIV to take a stronger stance against Iran as a “global threat” and criticizing the Vatican’s calls for de-escalation and restraint.
Background on the Executions
Iranian authorities have intensified crackdowns following widespread protests that erupted in late 2025 and early 2026 over economic hardships, government policies, and later linked to regional conflicts. Rights groups report hundreds of protesters killed during the unrest, with dozens more facing execution on charges including “harming stationed forces,” using explosives, or security-related offenses.
Bita Hemmati and her husband Mohammadreza Majid-Asl, along with two others, were sentenced collectively. Human rights monitors describe the proceedings as arbitrary and lacking due process, with concerns that the executions could be carried out imminently. This would mark a grim milestone as the first female protester executed in relation to the current wave of demonstrations.
Ongoing Trump-Pope Leo XIV Tensions
Trump has repeatedly criticized Pope Leo XIV for what he sees as insufficient condemnation of Iran’s actions, including its nuclear ambitions, proxy activities, and domestic repression. In recent days, Trump has publicly called on the pope to recognize Iran as a global threat and highlighted the high number of protesters allegedly killed by Iranian forces.
Pope Leo XIV has responded by emphasizing moral concerns over escalation, civilian suffering, and the need for dialogue, while stating he has “no fear” of political pressure. The back-and-forth has added a notable religious and ethical dimension to the diplomatic crisis.
Broader Context
Trump’s deflection occurs as:
- U.S.-Iran peace talks continue, with officials estimating up to six months for a full deal and urgent pushes to extend the ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- The U.S. maintains its naval blockade and global interdiction of Iranian-linked vessels.
- A 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is in effect, with plans for a White House summit involving Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Pakistan continues active mediation.
The reported executions have drawn international condemnation from human rights groups, who warn of a broader wave of repression in the wake of the protests and regional conflicts.
What’s Next?
The White House has not issued further clarification on Trump’s comment. Diplomatic efforts, including those at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and through Pakistani channels, remain focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and de-escalation. Human rights organizations continue to call for international intervention to halt the planned executions.
Reflecto News will monitor any official Iranian response, developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations, the humanitarian situation inside Iran, and reactions from the Vatican or other global actors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did President Trump say when asked about Iran executing protesters?
A: When a reporter raised the issue of four upcoming executions, including the first woman protester, Trump replied: “Tell that to the Pope.”
Q2: Who is the first woman facing execution?
A: Bita Hemmati, sentenced alongside her husband and two others in connection with the January 2026 Tehran protests. She faces charges including harming security forces.
Q3: Why did Trump refer the question to Pope Leo XIV?
A: It reflects the ongoing public disagreement between Trump and the pope over Iran policy. Trump has urged the pope to take a harder line on Iran as a threat, while the pontiff has criticized escalation and emphasized peace and civilian protection.
Q4: What is the context of the protests and executions?
A: The executions stem from anti-government demonstrations that began in late 2025 over economic issues and intensified in early 2026. Iran has carried out multiple executions of protesters and dissidents amid a broader crackdown.
Q5: How does this fit into U.S.-Iran relations?
A: It adds to tensions during fragile ceasefire talks focused on Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions. Human rights concerns are frequently raised but have not been central to the core negotiation points so far.
Q6: Has the Vatican responded to the latest executions or Trump’s comment?
A: As of April 16, 2026, no specific new statement from Pope Leo XIV on these particular executions has been reported, though the pontiff has consistently spoken out on the need for restraint and dialogue in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
For the latest on Iran’s human rights situation, U.S.-Iran diplomacy, the Trump-Pope Leo XIV exchange, and related Middle East developments, bookmark Reflecto News.
This article is based on verified reports from human rights organizations, official statements, and media coverage as of April 16, 2026.