US President Donald Trump said the United States had “knocked the hell out of Iran” as Iran began a six-day funeral for its late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed nearly four months ago during the US-Iran conflict.

Speaking near Mount Rushmore ahead of America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations, Trump referred to the recent conflict and the funeral taking place in Iran.

“We beat Venezuela in one day, and we knocked the hell out of Iran; they’re dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave him a week off for a funeral because we’re nice,” he said.

Iran begins six-day funeral

Ali Khamenei, who led Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28, the day the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering a wider conflict in the Middle East.

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Although Islamic tradition generally calls for burial within 24 hours, the funeral was delayed because of the wartime situation. Iran has now scheduled the ceremonies over six days, beginning on July 4, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

The funeral will include religious events in the holy city of Qom on July 7 before concluding with Khamenei’s burial in his hometown of Mashhad on July 9. Iranian authorities expect millions of mourners to participate, while posters and large billboards of the late leader have been displayed across the country.

Security concerns over Mojtaba Khamenei

According to reports cited by NDTV, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei will not attend his father’s funeral because of security concerns.

Ayatollah Hakim Elahi, identified as Mojtaba Khamenei’s representative in India, reportedly said Israeli threats and surveillance risks would make his public appearance “dangerous”, according to ANI.

A small coffin draws attention

One of the striking images from the funeral was a small coffin placed beside Ali Khamenei’s coffin.

According to reports, it carried the body of Khamenei’s 14-month-old granddaughter, who was also killed during the US-Israeli strikes. The bodies of other deceased family members were also placed alongside the late Supreme Leader.

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The funeral comes at a time when the US-Iran ceasefire remains fragile. Although both sides have exchanged fire since signing an agreement last month, the frequency of clashes has appeared to ease in recent days.

FAQs:

What did Donald Trump say about Iran?

Trump said the US had “knocked the hell out of Iran” and claimed Tehran was “dying to settle”.

When does Ali Khamenei’s funeral conclude?

The six-day funeral is scheduled to end with his burial in Mashhad on July 9.