WASHINGTON — (Horn post) U.S. President Donald Trump said he was surprised after watching the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he did not expect to see large numbers of Iranians mourning the longtime leader.
Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump said he had believed many Iranians disliked Khamenei but was struck by the emotional scenes shown during the funeral.
“I thought many people in Iran hated Khamenei,” Trump said, before adding that, after reflecting on the footage, “maybe those tears were not real.”
Trump also repeated his claim that Iranian officials are eager to reach an agreement with the United States, saying Tehran is “begging for a deal.”
According to Trump, both sides have agreed to pause discussions for one week while funeral arrangements are completed. He also claimed that neither side would launch attacks against the other during that period.
“Everyone is staying where they are. One shot could wipe them all out, but we’re not going to do that because then we wouldn’t have anyone to negotiate with,” Trump said.
Netanyahu Meeting Could Follow NATO Summit
Trump also told Axios that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a meeting at the White House. He said the meeting could take place after he returns from next week’s NATO summit.
Describing their relationship, Trump said, “We have a very good relationship. He knows who has the power.”
According to Axios, the meeting would be the first between the two leaders since February, when Netanyahu presented his strategy regarding Iran.
The report added that Trump has become increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu in recent months. Citing people familiar with the president’s thinking, Axios said some of Trump’s closest advisers believe the Israeli prime minister has made significant strategic mistakes.
A U.S. official quoted by Axios said, “Most of Trump’s closest advisers believe Benjamin Netanyahu has been wrong about everything.”
Neither the White House nor Israeli officials immediately commented publicly on the reported meeting or on Trump’s remarks regarding U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
