04.07.2026 22:00
US President Donald Trump sparked a new controversy with his remarks targeting the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Saying that senior Iranian figures had gathered at the funeral, Trump stated, "They're all there. We could neutralize them all with a single shot, but we won't do that, because then there would be no one left to negotiate with," while also expressing doubt about the sincerity of the tears shed at the funeral.
US President Donald Trump made headlines with his comments about the funeral of Iran's former spiritual leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Saying that Iran's top figures gathered at the funeral, Trump stated, "They were all there. We could neutralize them all with a single shot, but we won't do that because then there would be no one left to negotiate with," and also claimed that Iran wants to make a deal. Trump also said he believes those crying at the funeral were not sincere.
"THEY WERE ALL THERE, WE COULD HAVE TAKEN THEM OUT WITH ONE SHOT"
Speaking by phone to the US-based Axios news site, Trump made striking remarks about the funeral of Iran's former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Noting that Iran's top political and military figures were together at the funeral, Trump said, "I'm watching Khamenei's funeral. They were all there. We could neutralize them all with a single shot, but we won't do that because then there would be no one left to negotiate with."
CLAIM: "IRAN IS BEGGING TO MAKE A DEAL"
Trump also touched on the diplomatic process with Iran, arguing that the Tehran administration wants to reach an agreement.
Claiming that the Iranians are "begging to make a deal," Trump said that due to Khamenei's funeral, both sides paused mutual talks and military movements for about a week.
"THE TEARS AT THE FUNERAL DIDN'T SEEM SINCERE TO ME"
Trump also made striking remarks about the crowds crying at Khamenei's funeral.
Saying he watched the footage from the funeral, Trump commented, "I was surprised to see Iranians crying because I thought he was hated. So I don't believe those tears were sincere."
GALIBAF SOBBED UNCONTROLLABLY
At the state funeral held for Ali Khamenei in Iran's capital Tehran, Iranian Parliament and Negotiation Council Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf could not hold back his tears in front of Khamenei's coffin.
Meanwhile, crying Iranians were also captured by cameras in the public portion of the funeral in Tehran.
Tens of thousands of people have come to Imam Khomeini Musalla Mosque so far. A total of 20 to 30 million people are expected to attend the six-day ceremonies to be held in Iran and Iraq between July 4 and 9.