Trump Says US Gave Iran 'A Week Off' for Khamenei Funeral, While Funeral Crowds Vow Revenge Against US, Israel

WASHINGTON, Jul 4: US President Donald Trump said the United States gave Iran "a week off" during funeral processions for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, while claiming Tehran was eager to reach a settlement with Washington following the recent conflict.

Speaking at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence, Trump said, "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."

His remarks came as funeral ceremonies for Khamenei began in Tehran. The processions are expected to continue in Iran and Iraq before his burial later this week.

Meanwhile, thousands gathered at Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla on Saturday for the funeral ceremonies of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, chanting "Revenge, revenge" alongside slogans of "Death to America" and "Death to Israel," according to Iranian and Israeli media reports.

Images and videos from the ceremony showed mourners carrying banners calling for "blood vengeance," with some placards reportedly containing threats against US President Donald Trump.

The funeral processions began in Tehran and are expected to continue over several days across Iran and parts of Iraq before Khamenei is laid to rest in Mashhad on Thursday.