Trump Says US-Iran Talks Postponed Until After Khamenei's Funeral

President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has a strong desire to reach an agreement with the United States. However, according to him, the dialogue process between the two countries has been temporarily postponed until the funeral proceedings for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, are completed. The statement was made by Trump while attending the 250th anniversary of American independence at the America 250 event held at Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, on Friday. In his speech, Trump also highlighted the strength of the United States military and the country’s long history on the world stage. ‘We have built the most formidable and dominant military on earth, and emerged victorious in two world wars,’ he said, claiming that the Cold War had consigned America’s rivals to the history books. Responding to the recent dynamics of Washington-Tehran relations, Trump reiterated his position on the United States’ stance towards Iran. ‘We conquered Venezuela in just one day and paralysed Iran until they begged for peace. They genuinely crave peace. We were even kind enough to give them a week to mourn.’ In the same speech, Trump also touched upon the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. He described his country as the oldest republic and a symbol of freedom in the world. He argued that at 250 years old, America is the oldest republic in the world, the freest country, and possesses the most just and enduring constitution. ‘No one has ever given more to charity, ended more hunger, cured more disease, or done more to lift humanity than the American people,’ he said. Trump also warned of an ideological threat he believes is re-emerging in the United States. ‘There is now a resurgence of the communist threat in our country, including from newcomers who embrace ideas that are completely contrary to our way of life and our great success,’ he stated. Trump asserted that communism is a serious threat to American freedom. He even called the ideology a greater threat than various historical events the country has faced, including World War I, World War II, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the tragedy of 11 September 2001. ‘America will never be a communist country,’ Trump said. Closing his speech, Trump discussed the domestic political situation ahead of the midterm elections. He assessed that the Republican Party’s chances of victory remain open as long as the party can retain voter support. ‘We will only lose the midterm elections if we allow ourselves to lose,’ he said. According to Trump, if the filibuster rule is removed and the Save America Act is passed, the Republican Party will have the opportunity to continue winning elections in the long term. He said the move would mean the Republican Party would not lose an election for 100 years.