US President Donald Trump mocked Iran as the country commenced a six-day public funeral for slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying Washington had effectively given Tehran time to mourn because “we’re nice."
Addressing a large crowd at Mount Rushmore ahead of the July 4 celebrations, Trump touted what he described as US military successes during the recent Middle East conflict and asserted that Iran was eager to bring the fighting to an end.
“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, with the crowd erupting into thunderous cheer at the remarks.
His comments coincided with the start of Iran’s six-day funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the opening wave of US-Israeli strikes on February 28. Khamenei died alongside several members of his family, including his daughter, son-in-law, infant granddaughter and daughter-in-law.
The United States and Israel carried out coordinated attacks on Iranian military, nuclear and government facilities after weeks of mounting tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme. Iran responded by launching missile and drone strikes against US military bases, Israel and critical energy infrastructure across the region, while also disrupting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, triggering a global energy crisis.
The funeral ceremonies began after the United States and Iran reached a framework agreement aimed at ending the war, although tensions between the two countries continue to persist.
During the same speech, Trump also warned of what he described as a growing threat to the nation's identity ahead of the United States' 250th Independence Day celebrations, directing criticism at domestic “radicals and extremists."
“As we approach this magnificent anniversary, we see our American identity under a renewed attack," he said, citing a “resurgence of the communist menace in our land."
“In recent years there’s been an undeniable attempt to change this exceptional character, to beat the American spirit out of us, alienate us from our history," he added.
The remarks came as Trump’s approval ratings remain near historic lows, weighed down by the war in Iran and the soaring cost of living, ahead of the crucial midterm elections in November.
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