Thought People Hated Him:

Report By Y-Trandz

Here's what's happening: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, was killed in February during opening airstrikes of the US-Israel war on Iran, and Iran is now holding a week of mass funeral

processions for him.

Trump's comments

President Trump told Axios in a phone interview that he was "shocked" to see massive public mourning at Khamenei's funeral, saying he had expected a very different reaction inside Iran. He reportedly added, "Maybe it's fake tears," when saying he was surprised to see Iranians crying since he'd thought people hated Khamenei.

Trump also addressed the security situation during the funeral, saying Washington would not attack Iran despite tens of thousands gathering for the processions, noting "one shot" could take them all out but that would leave no one to negotiate with. He confirmed Iran and the US had agreed to pause talks until after the funeral, with neither side planning to act during the proceedings.

The scene in Tehran

Khamenei's coffin was displayed under glass outdoors alongside those of his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and 14-month-old granddaughter, all killed in the same attack. Iranian security officials reportedly rejected a request from his son and successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, to attend the burial over fears Israel could locate and kill him.

Reactions

Iran's embassy in Armenia pushed back sharply on Trump's remarks, with commentary questioning his understanding of the culture and history involved (per multiple outlets reporting on the exchange). Analysts have also noted the funeral turnout raises questions about how U.S. policy assessed Iranian public sentiment toward the regime, since hundreds of thousands of Iranians had protested against the government in a violent crackdown just weeks before the war, though there's been little visible public dissent since the U.S. and Israeli attacks began.

If you want, I can pull up more on the broader ceasefire/negotiation status or how the succession situation is playing out.