Iran Strikes Back at Trump over 'Hellhole' Comments with Warning to India

India Criticizes US Diplomatic Response After Trump's Social Media Post

In a recent social media post, Iran's Mumbai-based diplomatic mission took aim at former US President Donald Trump, suggesting he needed a "cultural detox" after he reposted a commentator's remarks that referred to India and China as "hellholes." The Iranian mission posted on X: "Maybe someone should book a one-way cultural detox for Mr. #Trump, it might just reduce the random bakwaas (rubbish). Kabhi #India aa ke dekho, phir bolna (come to India sometime, then talk)."

India strongly criticized the social media post, calling it "uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste." Randhir Jaiswal, responding to queries, stated that the comments did not reflect the reality of ties between India and the United States, which he emphasized are rooted in mutual respect and shared interests. He added that New Delhi had taken note of a clarification issued by the US Embassy on the matter.

This controversy follows reports that Trump shared a video on Truth Social amplifying criticism of US birthright citizenship laws. The clip featured conservative commentator Michael Savage, who alleged that some individuals exploit immigration rules by traveling to the US late in pregnancy to secure citizenship for their children. The remarks in the video, which referenced Indians in disparaging terms, triggered a diplomatic response from New Delhi.

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