Former U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with Axios that he is watching the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and claimed the U.S. could 'eliminate everyone' but that doing so would leave no negotiating partner. The remarks come as multiple reports indicate Iran security officials barred Mojtaba Khamenei from attending the funeral over assassination fears.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios on Saturday that he is watching the funeral of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump stated that the U.S. could 'eliminate everyone' but added that doing so would leave no one to negotiate with. The remarks come as the funeral procession got underway in Tehran on Saturday, with attendees reportedly chanting for the assassination of Trump and the destruction of Israel, as The Zioneer reported earlier.
Multiple reports indicate that Iran's security officials barred new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei from attending the funeral over fears that Israel would use the public appearance to assassinate him or track him to his hiding place. The New York Times reported that Mojtaba Khamenei asked to attend his father's burial in Mashhad on Thursday but was blocked by security officials, who feared Israel could assassinate him or use his presence to locate his hideout. Other sources suggest the more likely cause may be severe injuries he sustained.
Trump's statement echoes earlier comments in which he said he knows Mojtaba Khamenei's whereabouts and praised his 'logic and courage,' as The Zioneer has previously reported. The former president also confirmed last month that he would like to meet Mojtaba Khamenei. The interview with Axios is the first public statement from Trump since the funeral began.
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- DevelopingTrump reportedly agrees to private meeting with Khamenei at Iran's request
- DevelopingTrump: "I would like to meet Mojtaba Khamenei"
- DevelopingTrump to Axios: I regret hurting Mojtaba Khamenei, he is severely wounded
Source and signal
- Internal intake