US President Donald Trump said the United States had “knocked the hell out of Iran” as Tehran commenced the six-day funeral ceremonies of late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed during the opening phase of the US-Israel military strikes on February 28.
Speaking near Mount Rushmore, Trump claimed Iran was eager to reach a settlement following the conflict. He also remarked that the US had given Iran “a week off for a funeral,” describing it as a gesture of goodwill.
Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed at the beginning of the war triggered by coordinated US and Israeli strikes. His funeral, delayed due to the conflict, began on July 4 and is scheduled to conclude on July 9 with his burial in the holy city of Mashhad after ceremonies in Tehran, Qom and other locations.
Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to participate in the funeral processions, making it one of the country’s largest public events in decades. Posters and giant billboards honouring Khamenei have been displayed across Tehran, while strict security arrangements remain in place throughout the ceremonies.
Reports suggest Iran’s current Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, will not attend his father’s funeral because of security concerns following reported Israeli threats and ongoing surveillance risks.
The funeral has also drawn attention to the deaths of several members of Khamenei’s family during the conflict. Among the coffins placed beside his was that of his 14-month-old granddaughter, who was reportedly killed in the airstrikes, along with other relatives.
Although a ceasefire agreement was reached last month, tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States remain high, with both sides continuing to exchange warnings despite a relative decline in hostilities.
