US President Donald Trump has warned that the US could “take out” Iran’s leadership but said it is holding back because talks over a possible deal are continuing. In an interview with Axios, Trump said both sides have agreed to pause negotiations and military action for a week while Iran observes the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Trump says Iran wants an agreement
Trump claimed Iran is eager to reach an agreement with the US. He said the pause in hostilities was given as a goodwill gesture during Khamenei’s funeral.
“They are all there. One shot and we can take them all out, but we are not going to do that because then we would have nobody to negotiate with. They are begging to make a deal,” Trump said. He also added, “We beat Venezuela in one day, and we knocked the hell out of Iran; they’re dying to settle. We gave them a week off for a funeral because we’re nice.”
Surprised by the mourning for Khamenei
Trump also said he did not expect to see large crowds mourning Khamenei. He said that he believed many Iranians disliked the former leader and wondered if the emotional scenes were genuine, saying, “Maybe it’s fake tears.”
Khamenei, who ruled Iran for 36 years, was killed on February 28 when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, triggering a regional war. His funeral began on 4th July, the same day as the 250th anniversary of US Independence. Millions of people have attended the week-long ceremonies, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi seen in tears. Further funeral rituals are scheduled in Qom on 7th July, followed by burial in Mashhad on 9th July.
Trump, Netanyahu likely to meet soon
Trump also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked to meet him at the White House. The meeting could happen after Trump returns from the NATO summit, although an Israeli official said it may take place the following week because of Trump’s travel schedule.
“We get along very well. Netanyahu knows who the boss is,” Trump said.
Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli leader called Trump to congratulate him on the United States’ 250th Independence Day. During the call, both leaders agreed to meet in the US soon.
Differences remain despite close ties
The possible meeting comes months after the two leaders met in February, when Netanyahu presented plans for a joint military campaign against Iran. Since then, differences have emerged over regional issues.
According to Axios, some of Trump’s advisers believe Netanyahu’s approach has been wrong in recent months. Trump has also pushed for extending the ceasefire with Iran, restarting nuclear talks, and asking Israel to limit military operations in Lebanon.
For Netanyahu, a White House meeting would be politically important as he prepares for Israel’s October elections, where opinion polls currently show him trailing.
