Trump Criticizes Iran Amid Khamenei's Funeral Ceremonies

As Iran mourns the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, US President Donald Trump made provocative remarks during Independence Day celebrations. He claimed the US had 'knocked the hell out of Iran' and granted a week for the funeral, emphasizing America's military prowess. The funeral ceremonies, which began in Tehran, are expected to attract millions, concluding with Khamenei's burial in Mashhad. Trump's comments come in the wake of Khamenei's death from US-Israeli airstrikes, which also reportedly injured his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 12:07 IST

Trump's Remarks During Independence Celebrations

Washington DC: The funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, commenced on Saturday, coinciding with US President Donald Trump's comments aimed at Tehran. Speaking at Mount Rushmore in celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence, Trump remarked that the US had granted Iran a week for Khamenei's funeral. He stated, "We knocked the hell out of Iran," emphasizing the strength of the US military and its historical victories. Trump added, "We gave them a week off for a funeral, because we're nice."

President Trump on Iran: We knocked the hell out of Iran. They are dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off for a funeral because we’re nice — that's true. pic.twitter.com/hQop9PaBLH
— Tabz (@TabzLIVE) July 4, 2026

The US is celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which was signed on July 4, 1776. Trump's comments came as Iran began a week-long mourning period for Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, marking the onset of the Iran war. The strikes also resulted in the deaths of several of Khamenei's family members. Following his death, Mojtaba Khamenei was named the new supreme leader, although reports indicate he was seriously injured in the airstrikes and has not made any public appearances since. He also missed his father's funeral, with only messages attributed to him being broadcast on Iranian state media.

The funeral ceremonies for Khamenei began in Tehran on Friday, four months after his death, and are expected to draw millions over the six-day mourning period, culminating in his burial in Mashhad on July 9.