Trump says he spared Iran leadership during Khamenei funeral for future talks
Speaking during an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Trump said Iranian leaders gathered for Khamenei's funeral could have been targeted but that he opted against taking action
US President Donald Trump said in July 2026 that he had chosen not to target Iran's remaining leadership during funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, citing the possibility of future negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking during an ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Trump said Iranian leaders gathered for Khamenei's funeral could have been targeted but that he opted against taking action, says NDTV.
"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...They are begging to make a deal," Trump said in a statement to Axios.
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Trump also said the United States and Iran had agreed to a temporary pause in hostilities and negotiations during the funeral period. He characterised the move as a goodwill gesture by Washington.
"We beat Venezuela in one day, and we knocked the hell out of Iran; they're dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave him a week off for a funeral because we're nice," Trump said.
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years, was killed on 28 February 2026, during the start of US and Israeli strikes against Iran, according to the information provided. Funeral ceremonies began on 4 July and are scheduled to conclude on 9 July.
Events are being held in the holy city of Qom before concluding with burial ceremonies in Khamenei's hometown of Mashhad.
Large crowds of mourners have attended the ceremonies, with some senior officials reportedly seen crying during farewell events. Participants at the gatherings were also heard chanting "Death To America, Death To Israel".
Trump questioned the public displays of grief, saying he had expected a different public response to Khamenei's death.
"Maybe it's fake tears," Trump said.
Trump also expressed surprise at the scale of mourning, saying he "Thought People Hated Him".
Security concerns have also remained prominent during the funeral proceedings. Reports indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei would not attend public ceremonies because of security risks and concerns over Israeli surveillance.
Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, identified as Mojtaba Khamenei's representative in India, said Israeli threats and surveillance risks would make Mojtaba Khamenei's public attendance "dangerous".
