Trump says US could take out Iran’s leadership with one shot at Khamenei funeral — But won’t because ‘we would have nobody to negotiate with’

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– US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy by claiming the United States could eliminate Iran’s remaining leadership “with one shot” while they gather for the week-long state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — but said Washington would not do so because it would leave “nobody to negotiate with.”

In an interview with Axios, Trump said he had been closely following the funeral ceremonies for Khamenei, who was killed in joint US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 at the onset of the four-month war. Pointing to the congregation of top Iranian officialsin Tehran, the president described the gathering as a potential military opportunity.

“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 told Axios.

The US president also claimed that Iran was “begging to make a deal” and said 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.

‘Maybe It’s Fake Tears’

Commenting on the massive crowds that turned out to mourn the late Iranian leader, Trump expressed surprise — claiming he had believed many Iranians opposed Khamenei.

“Maybe it’s fake tears,” Trump was quoted as saying.

The remarks drew an immediate and stinging rebuke from Iran. In a post on X, Iran’s embassy in Armenia condemned the US president, writing: “You don’t understand these things because you have neither civilization, nor history, nor honor.”

“You killed Ayatollah Khamenei, but in reality, you broke a perfume bottle whose scent spread everywhere,” the embassy added.

‘Death to Trump’ Chants at Funeral

Anti-US rhetoric dominated parts of the funeral proceedings in Tehran. A performer addressing hundreds of thousands of mourners over loudspeakers openly called for Trump’s death.

“Why is the most bastard man in the world still alive?” the poet asked, drawing loud cheers and chants of “Death to America!” and “Death to Israel!” Posters and graffiti targeting both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were also visible at the site, with one banner reading “We will kill Trump” in English.

Week-Long Funeral Rites Underway

Iran began the mass funeral ceremonies for Khamenei on July 3, more than four months after he was killed. The former supreme leader’s body is lying in state at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla, alongside the coffins of family members killed in the same strike — including his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 14-month-old granddaughter.

Hundreds of thousands of mourners have gathered in the capital, with authorities shutting down streets and partially closing Tehran’s airspace. Officials have said the funeral could draw up to 20 million mourners from across Iran.

The funeral procession is scheduled to move through Tehran’s main streets on July 6, then to the holy city of Qom on July 7. On July 8, ceremonies will be held in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala, before the final burial on July 9 at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad — one of Shia Islam’s holiest sites.

Successor’s Absence Raises Questions

Notably, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has not made any public appearance at his father’s funeral. His representative in India cited “severe security concerns,” including persistent Israeli threats and heightened surveillance risks. Mojtaba is reported to have been injured and suffered facial disfigurement in the same February 28 strike that killed his father.

Instead, three of the late leader’s other sons — Mostafa, Meysam, and Masoud Khamenei — were seen praying beside the coffins, alongside Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

High-level delegations from at least 50 countries, including Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iraq, are attending the memorial services.

Fragile Ceasefire Holds

The funeral comes at a critical moment for Iran, where a fragile ceasefire has suspended the four-month-old war under a preliminary agreement with Washington. Diplomatic talks between the two nations remain on hold until funeral proceedings conclude. Iran’s authorities say the deal will ultimately bring huge economic benefits, framing the outcome as a victory over a superpower.

Yet the Islamic Republic remains deeply fractured, with analysts noting that support for clerical leadership is “paper thin” after years of crippling sanctions and crackdowns on nationwide protests.

Earlier, a senior Iranian military commander warned Washington and Tel Aviv against any military operations targeting the country, vowing “harsh retaliation” to any threat or aggression.

Trump, for his part, defended his administration’s approach. “We knocked the hell out of Iran. They’re dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral because we’re nice,” he said.

As Iran continues its week of mourning, the world watches closely — with both nations observing an uneasy pause, but neither side appearing ready to back down.