Trump surprised by large crowds mourning Khamenei, "I thought people hated him"

US President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the large crowds mourning former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, claiming he believed many Iranians disliked the late leader and suggesting some of the public grief may not be genuine.

Speaking to Axios, Trump said, "I was surprised to see some Iranians crying at the funeral. I thought people hated Khamenei. Maybe it's fake tears."

Trump also claimed Iran was seeking to resume negotiations with the United States following the recent conflict.

"They are begging to make a deal," he told Axios, adding that Washington and Tehran had agreed to pause nuclear talks for a week until Khamenei's funeral ceremonies conclude. He also claimed there would be no attacks by either side during this period.

Referring to Iran's remaining leadership, Trump said, "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."

According to Axios, Trump is also expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House ahead of Israel's October elections.

Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 during the opening day of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran. His funeral began on July 4 and is scheduled to conclude with his burial in Mashhad on July 9.

Millions have attended funeral processions across Iran. During Saturday's ceremony, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi were seen in tears.

According to Al Jazeera, mourners carried red flags and banners bearing the slogans "Ya Latharat al-Hussein" and "Ya Latharat al-Khamenei", invoking a Shia tradition associated with seeking justice for a slain leader.