Trump says US paused Iran talks for week during Khamenei funeral

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington has agreed to pause negotiations with Iran for one week to allow for funeral ceremonies for Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Speaking during a July 4 Independence Day event at Mount Rushmore, Trump said Tehran remained eager to reach an agreement with the United States, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

He noted that they are "eager to reach an agreement," stating that they desperately want to reach an agreement.

"We've given them a one-week break for the funeral," Trump said.

Funeral ceremonies for Khamenei began in Tehran on July 3.

Trump's comments come after The Wall Street Journal reported on July 1, citing sources, that the U.S. president had told advisers he was comfortable allowing negotiations with Tehran to continue beyond the 60-day deadline set out in a memorandum of understanding.

According to previous official statements, the United States, Iran and Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator, reached an agreement on June 14 aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Garibabadi said the 60-day ceasefire period would be used to discuss several issues, including Tehran's nuclear programme.

The United States also announced on June 15 that it had ended its naval blockade of Iran and declared an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on Feb. 28, triggering a regional conflict that has since become the focus of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

By Sabina Mammadli