Tehran, Iran – Iranian officials have sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump following a series of comments he made during his recent tour of the Middle East, which they labeled as “disgraceful” and “provocative.” The remarks, made in a speech delivered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, accused Iran of fueling regional instability and supporting terrorism.
President Ebrahim Raisi condemned Trump’s statements as “an outdated narrative rooted in hostility and misinformation.” In a press briefing in Tehran, Raisi accused the former U.S. leader of attempting to “reignite tensions” in a region already burdened by conflict, and urged Middle Eastern nations to “reject foreign divisiveness.”
Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia marked the beginning of his regional tour aimed at reinforcing ties with long-standing U.S. allies and advocating for a unified front against Iranian influence. During a summit with Gulf leaders, Trump described Iran as a “source of chaos” and urged nations to isolate the Islamic Republic diplomatically and economically.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, dismissed the accusations, stating that Iran “has consistently stood for dialogue, regional cooperation, and peace.” He also criticized the timing of Trump’s visit, calling it a “public relations maneuver aimed at reshaping his image among Arab leaders.”
The former president’s speech also drew fire from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said Trump’s words were “a clear example of American arrogance.” Speaking to senior officials, Khamenei warned that the United States continues to destabilize the region through “military interventions and reckless alliances.”
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high despite changes in leadership in Washington. The two countries have clashed over issues ranging from Iran’s nuclear program to its role in regional conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Lebanon. Analysts believe Trump’s comments may further complicate efforts at diplomatic engagement.
Iran’s state-run media criticized Arab leaders who applauded Trump’s speech, suggesting that their alignment with the U.S. undermines the sovereignty and unity of the Islamic world. Several political commentators in Tehran called the visit “a step backward” for regional diplomacy.
Trump’s Middle East tour continues with scheduled stops in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to promote new economic initiatives and defense cooperation. However, the backlash from Iran is likely to shadow the remainder of his trip.
As regional players watch closely, Iran has vowed to counter what it sees as “hostile rhetoric” with renewed diplomatic outreach to its neighbors. “We will not be intimidated by bombastic speeches,” said President Raisi. “Iran’s path forward is one of resilience, dialogue, and peace.”