Trump Says Iran Wants Deal as US Paused Talks for Funeral

US President Donald Trump said on Friday evening that Iran is eager to reach an agreement with the United States, claiming that Washington temporarily paused negotiations to allow funeral processions in Tehran following the death of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Trump made the remarks while speaking at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota during celebrations for America 250, the event marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. During his speech, he highlighted the strength of the US military and reflected on the country's historical achievements.

Trump Highlights US Military Strength

Speaking to the audience, Trump praised the American armed forces, saying the United States had built the strongest and most powerful military in the world.

"We created the strongest and most powerful military. We won two world wars," Trump said. He also claimed that the Cold War had pushed America's enemies "into the depths of history."

Trump Claims Iran Is Eager to Settle

While discussing recent international conflicts, Trump referred to Iran and Venezuela.

"We beat Venezuela in one day, and we knocked the hell out of Iran; they're dying to settle. They want to settle so badly. We gave him a week off for a funeral because we're nice," Trump said.

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He claimed that the United States delayed negotiations with Tehran for one week to allow funeral processions to take place.

America 250 Celebrations

During the event, Trump also spoke about the significance of the country's 250th anniversary.

He described the United States as "the oldest republic on Earth" and said it is "the freest people on Earth" with "the most righteous and enduring constitution on Earth."

Trump further claimed that Americans have contributed more than any other nation to charity, fighting hunger, curing diseases, and improving humanity.

Trump Warns About Communism

Turning to domestic issues, Trump warned about what he described as a growing ideological threat inside the United States.

"There is now a resurgence of the communist menace in our land, including from newcomers to our country who embrace ideas totally opposed to our way of life and our great success," he said.

Trump called communism "a mortal threat to American liberty" and described it as "the greatest threat to our country, including World War One, World War Two, Pearl Harbor, or even 911."

Comments on US Midterm Elections

Trump concluded by saying that the United States would never become a communist country before shifting his focus to domestic politics.

"We can only lose the midterms if we allow ourselves to lose the midterms," he said.

He added that eliminating the filibuster and passing the "Save America Act" would ensure Republicans "will not lose an election for 100 years."