Iran on Sunday strongly criticised Donald Trump over his remarks suggesting America’s ability to eliminate Iran’s leadership gathered during Ali Khamenei’s funeral, as mourning ceremonies continue across the country.
In a post on X, the Iranian Embassy in Armenia responded by accusing the United States of lacking “civilisation, history, and honour.” The embassy also said that while individuals can be killed, their ideals cannot, referring to the public mourning following Khamenei’s death.
The response came as funeral ceremonies for Khamenei continued in Iran, drawing large crowds of mourners and foreign dignitaries.
Trump made the comments during an interview with media, where he said he was surprised by the large number of people attending Khamenei’s funeral. “I thought people hated Khamenei. Maybe it’s fake tears,” Trump was quoted as saying. He further claimed that the United States had the capability to target Iran’s remaining leadership gathered at the funeral but would refrain from doing so because Washington wanted to preserve the possibility of diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
According to the report, Trump said the leadership could be taken out “with one shot,” but added that negotiations remained a priority.
Responding to Trump’s remarks, the Iranian Embassy in Armenia said the United States would never understand the scale of public mourning because it “neither has a civilisation, history, nor honour.” The embassy further stated that although Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed, his ideals would continue to endure.
Khamenei’s body is currently lying in state in Tehran, where mourners and foreign dignitaries have been paying their final respects. Former Supreme Leader, who was killed in a US-Israeli airstrike on February 28, will be buried in Mashhad on July 9 after funeral processions through Tehran, Qom, Najaf and Karbala The funeral has attracted large crowds, with mourners participating in traditional Shiite rituals, including chest-beating, prayers and public processions. The ceremony has also carried political significance, with Iranian flags and black mourning banners prominently displayed, reflecting both the religious and political symbolism surrounding Khamenei’s death.