U.S. President Donald Trump said he was surprised by the large crowds mourning the death of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying he had not expected such a public display of grief.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said he was "shocked" to see Iranians crying during Khamenei's funeral.
"I thought people hated him," Trump reportedly said.
Trump also claimed that the United States and Iran had agreed to pause tensions until after the funeral ceremonies, saying neither side would carry out military action during the period.
"Neither side will shoot the other during the funeral proceedings," he said.
According to Trump, he had the military capability to target those attending the funeral but chose not to do so, arguing that such an action would leave "no one left to negotiate."
His remarks come as large crowds gathered in Tehran to pay their respects to Khamenei amid heightened tensions following the recent conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
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