Trump stuns watching Iranians mourning Ali Khamenei

Millions of Iranians gathered at Tehran's Grand Mosalla, shedding tears over the death of the country's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was genuinely surprised by the scenes, as he had believed that Iranians hated Khamenei. According to Trump, the public outpouring of grief proved his assumption wrong.

Speaking to U.S. news outlet Axios on Saturday (July 4), Trump said he had been watching the funeral ceremonies for Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei was killed on the first day of the war in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes.

The U.S. president claimed that Iran is "desperate" to reach an agreement. However, because of Khamenei's funeral, both sides have agreed to pause negotiations for one week. He added that neither side would launch attacks against the other during this period.

"They're all there," Trump said. "We could wipe them all out with one strike. But we won't, because then there would be no one left to negotiate with." Trump also said he was surprised to see so many Iranians crying at Khamenei's funeral. He remarked, "Maybe the crying was fake."

Trump further revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House, which could take place as early as next week. During a brief phone conversation, Trump said, "Our relationship is very good. (Netanyahu) knows who the real boss is."

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office said Netanyahu called Trump on Friday (July 3) to congratulate him on the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence Day. During the call, the two leaders agreed to meet in the United States in the near future.

Meanwhile, an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a meeting next week is unlikely because President Trump is expected to travel to Türkiye to attend the NATO Summit on July 7–8. According to the official, a meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is more likely to take place "the following week."