Trump says US gave Iran 'week off' for Khamenei's funeral, claims Tehran is 'dying to settle'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump mixed foreign policy with Fourth of July patriotism on Friday, July 3, as he kicked off America's 250th birthday celebrations by claiming the United States had given Iran "a week off" during the funeral period for the country's late supreme leader.

Speaking before a large crowd at the foot of Mount Rushmore, Trump briefly addressed the situation involving Iran before shifting his focus to America's semiquincentennial celebrations and what he described as the nation's "golden age."

Donald Trump says Iran is eager to reach a deal

While discussing the recent conflict involving Iran, Trump suggested that Tehran was now eager to negotiate following the preliminary agreement between the two countries.

"They're dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave them a week off because we're nice," Trump told the crowd.

Trump appeared to be referring to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his late father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Iran's Supreme Leader.

The elder leader's funeral began Friday after he was killed in an air strike earlier this year.

Preparations for the public funeral have been taking place as Iran and the United States observe what has been described as a fragile ceasefire after reaching an initial agreement.

According to the reported terms, both countries agreed to an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, while opening a 60-day window for negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

The agreement also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, unfreezing Iranian assets, a proposed $300 billion economic development package for Iran and the removal of existing sanctions.

Meanwhile, state television showed large crowds gathering across Iranian cities, chanting slogans supporting the country's leadership while voicing opposition to the United States and Israel.

Pakistan also announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would attend the funeral ceremony.

Donald Trump shifts focus to America's 250th birthday

After briefly touching on Iran, Trump turned his attention back to the Independence Day celebrations.

"Tomorrow we mark 250 years of glorious independence and 250 years of majestic American freedom. Nothing like it," he said.

The president praised the United States throughout the speech, describing it as "the most powerful country on Earth."

"We are the freest people on earth. We have the most righteous and enduring Constitution on earth. We are the strongest and most powerful country on earth," Trump said.

He continued, "And by the grace of God, the United States of America is the most successful, most accomplished, most exceptional nation ever to exist in human history."

A significant part of the address centered on American identity, history and culture, with Trump also warning the audience about what he described as the dangers of communism.

Donald Trump closes speech by looking ahead to America's 'golden age'

As the speech drew to a close after about 30 minutes, Trump urged the crowd to view the anniversary as the beginning of a new chapter.

"Tomorrow, we reach a milestone like no other and celebrate with hearts and soaring spirits because after two and a half centuries," he said.

He said, "We know that this is not an ending, this is only the beginning of the golden age of America."

Trump was joined in South Dakota by members of his family, including Donald Trump Jr and his wife, Bettina Trump, daughter Tiffany Trump and her husband Michael Boulos.

Before arriving, Bettina Trump shared an Instagram photo of a cookie featuring Mount Rushmore with Trump's likeness added to the monument.

Earlier in the day, family members also posted photos from the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, before traveling to South Dakota for the America 250 celebration.