By Paul Joseph
United States President Donald Trump has said Washington will not target Iranian officials attending the funeral ceremonies of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, despite suggesting that such gatherings could present military opportunities.
According to reports, Trump said the decision was aimed at preserving diplomatic efforts, noting that the United States still needed Iranian officials available for negotiations. He reportedly made the remarks while commenting on the ongoing funeral ceremonies.
The development comes as fresh talks between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Pakistan on July 11 after the conclusion of Khamenei’s funeral activities.
Meanwhile, funeral processions for the late Iranian leader continued in Tehran, with large crowds attending a farewell ceremony at the Grand Mosalla. Iranian state media reported that senior clerics, rather than the country’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, would lead prayers in Tehran, Qom and Mashhad.
At the same time, tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high. Iranian officials and commanders have continued to issue strong statements against the United States and Israel, insisting that retaliation over recent conflicts remains a national obligation.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy also pledged to continue what it described as the path of its fallen leaders, expressing confidence that “divine revenge” against the United States and Israel would come.
Separately, Iran’s ambassador to China disclosed plans to introduce new service charges for vessels passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, adding that countries considered friendly to Tehran could receive preferential treatment.
Despite the rhetoric, both sides are expected to return to the negotiating table later this month in what observers see as another attempt to ease tensions between the longtime rivals.
Leave a Reply