Trump Dismisses Mourners' Tears at Khamenei's Funeral as 'Crocodile Tears'

United States President Donald Trump has admitted to being shocked by the large number of mourners attending the funeral of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Trump described the tears of the mourners as fake.

According to reports, Trump initially believed the late leader of the Islamic Revolution was highly unpopular. However, the funeral procession for Khamenei attracted vast crowds from across Tehran, the Iranian capital.

“I am surprised. I thought people hated him,” Trump told Axios on Monday (6/7/2026).

“Perhaps those are fake tears,” he added, referring to the mourners seen weeping during the funeral ceremony.

Trump also claimed that Iran is very eager to resume negotiations. According to him, Iran and the US have agreed to postpone talks until the funeral proceedings for Khamenei are completed. Trump ensured that no party would launch an attack during the funeral procession.

“They are pleading to make a deal,” Trump said.

“They are all there. One shot (and we could eliminate them all), but we will not do that because then we would have no one left to negotiate with,” he continued.

The Iranian Ministry of Health estimates that approximately 15 million people participated in the funeral procession. The Iranian news agency, Tasnim, reported that temporary hospitals had been established near the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosque, where Khamenei’s coffin and those of several family members were laid in state.

Large crowds of mourners dressed in black chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” Some mourners also held signs calling for the assassination of Trump.

As previously reported, Ali Khamenei died due to an airstrike on the first day of the US-Israel war with Iran on 28 February. The funeral procession for Iran’s Supreme Leader was significantly delayed due to the months-long conflict.