US President Donald Trump has claimed the United States could have targeted senior Iranian officials attending the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but deliberately chose not to in order to keep diplomatic negotiations with Tehran alive.
His remarks came as the US and Iran continue efforts to revive talks following recent military tensions.
Speaking in an interview cited by Axios, Trump said the United States was closely monitoring Khamenei's funeral, where many of Iran's top political and military leaders had gathered.
"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," Trump said.
Trump also said he was surprised to see some Iranians crying at the funeral because he thought people hated Khamenei: “Maybe it’s fake tears.” https://t.co/1q2aXugWxK pic.twitter.com/an2UGguaCV
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He suggested Washington deliberately avoided military action to ensure there were Iranian officials available to continue negotiations.
Claims Iran is eager to reach a deal
Trump also claimed Tehran was keen to reach an agreement with Washington following recent hostilities.
According to Axios, he described Iran as "begging to make a deal" and "dying to settle" after the United States had, in his words, "knocked the hell out of" the country.
The US president added that both sides had agreed to pause nuclear negotiations for about a week during the funeral and mourning period.
He said the temporary suspension was intended to allow the ceremonies to conclude, adding that neither the United States nor Iran would launch attacks during that period.
Comments on funeral mourners
Trump also questioned the public displays of grief seen during Khamenei's funeral.
He said he was surprised to see people crying because he believed many Iranians disliked the late leader.
"Maybe it's fake tears," Trump remarked, suggesting the mourning may not reflect genuine public sentiment.
