diff --git a/lib/compress.js b/lib/compress.js
index 09eaacbf..fb4836bf 100644
--- a/lib/compress.js
+++ b/lib/compress.js
@@ -2575,12 +2575,11 @@ merge(Compressor.prototype, {
                         if (!declarations_only(node)) return node;
                         defs.definitions = defs.definitions.concat(node.definitions);
                         CHANGED = true;
+                        if (parent instanceof AST_For && parent.init === node) return null;
                         return in_list ? List.skip : make_node(AST_EmptyStatement, node);
                     }
                     if (node instanceof AST_Scope) return node;
                     if (!(node instanceof AST_Statement)) return node;
-                }, function(node) {
-                    if (node instanceof AST_For && is_empty(node.init)) node.init = null;
                 }));
             }
         }