US President Donald Trump said he has been closely following the funeral ceremonies for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and claimed that Iran’s top leadership was gathered in one place.
Speaking to US media outlet Axios, Trump referred to the mass funeral events being held in Tehran and suggested the gathering presented a military opportunity, though he said it would not be pursued because of ongoing diplomacy.
"They are all there. One shot [and we can take them all out], but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with," he told Axios.
'Maybe it's fake tears'
The US president also commented on scenes from the funeral, where large crowds gathered to mourn the late Iranian leader.
Trump said, adding that he had been surprised to see mourners grieving because he believed many Iranians opposed Khamenei, "maybe it’s fake tears," the outlet quoted him as saying.
The Republican President further claimed that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington. “They are begging to make a deal.”
{{/usCountry}}The Republican President further claimed that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington. “They are begging to make a deal.”
{{/usCountry}}he said, while adding that both sides had agreed to pause negotiations for a week until funeral-related events conclude. According to Trump, neither side would engage in military action during that period.
Iran hits back at Trump
Trump’s comments prompted a swift response from Iran. In a post on X, Iran’s embassy in Armenia condemned the remarks, saying: "You don't understand these things because you have neither civilization, nor history, nor honor."
The exchange comes amid continued uncertainty over the political mood inside Iran following months of conflict and upheaval.
Massive crowds gather in Tehran
On Saturday, tens of thousands of Iranians packed a sprawling outdoor prayer complex in Tehran to pay their respects to Khamenei, who was killed at the outset of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Coffins carrying the former supreme leader and members of his family were displayed as mourners dressed in black waved Iranian flags and held portraits of Khamenei and his son and successor, Mojtaba, news agency Reuters reported.
The funeral ceremonies are part of a week-long series of state-organised processions that Iranian authorities have framed as a demonstration of loyalty to the Islamic Republic and its leadership.
After lying in state indoors for senior officials and foreign dignitaries, Khamenei’s coffin was moved outdoors and displayed under glass alongside the coffins of several family members, including his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law and 14-month-old granddaughter.
There has still been no public appearance or image released of Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his father and is reported to have been injured in the same strike that killed the former leader.