Former US President Donald Trump said he was shocked to see thousands of Iranians crying at the funeral of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, admitting that he had believed the Iranian people hated their leader. Trump made the remarks during a campaign event in New Hampshire, referring to the massive outpouring of grief that followed Khamenei's death.
Trump's Reaction to Khamenei Funeral
"I was shocked. I thought people hated him," Trump said, according to a pool report. He described the scenes of mourners weeping and beating their chests as "unbelievable." The former president noted that the funeral procession drew millions of Iranians onto the streets, a display of public emotion that contradicted his previous assumptions about popular sentiment toward the regime.
Khamenei, who led Iran for over three decades, died on July 4 at the age of 86. His funeral in Tehran saw enormous crowds, with state media reporting that over 5 million people participated in the procession. The event was marked by emotional scenes, with many mourners crying and chanting slogans.
Political Implications
Trump's comments come amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. During his presidency, Trump pursued a policy of "maximum pressure" against Tehran, withdrawing from the nuclear deal and ordering the assassination of General Qassem Soleimani. The former president has frequently criticized the Iranian government, but his latest remarks suggest a recognition of the deep support Khamenei commanded among segments of the population.
"Maybe they were crying because they were happy? No, they were really crying," Trump said, attempting to rationalize the scenes. He added that the funeral demonstrated the "strength" of Khamenei's leadership, a comment that may surprise some of his supporters given his history of harsh rhetoric toward Iran.
International Reactions
World leaders have offered condolences following Khamenei's death, with many acknowledging his role as a key figure in the Middle East. The funeral has also drawn attention to the succession process in Iran, as the country's Assembly of Experts is expected to select a new Supreme Leader. Analysts say the transition could have significant implications for regional stability and US-Iran relations.
Trump's remarks have sparked debate on social media, with some users questioning his understanding of Iranian politics. Others have pointed out that public displays of grief at state funerals are common in Iran, and do not necessarily reflect universal support for the regime. Nonetheless, the former president's admission has added a personal note to the international coverage of Khamenei's death.
