Trump Threatens Iran’s Leadership, Says US Paused Talks During Khamenei Funeral

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, July 5, 2026: US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States could eliminate Iran’s remaining leadership "with one shot" but said it would refrain from doing so because "there would be nobody left to negotiate with."

In remarks to Axios, Trump said Iran’s leaders were "begging to make a deal" and added that both sides had agreed to pause negotiations until the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei conclude.

Trump also said neither side would launch attacks during the pause. Expressing surprise at the large crowds mourning Khamenei, he remarked that he believed many Iranians had disliked the late leader and suggested the public grief could be "fake tears."

Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 during the conflict that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. His funeral ceremonies, which began on July 4, are scheduled to conclude with his burial in Mashhad on July 9.

Meanwhile, reports citing Iranian officials said Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, is unlikely to attend the funeral due to security concerns arising from alleged Israeli threats and surveillance risks.