A senior Iranian military official has accused President Donald Trump of stoking domestic unrest and destabilizing the global order through what he called aggressive policies, warning that the United States is speeding toward international decline under his leadership.
Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi described Trump’s conduct as “destructive and unlawful”—a sharp rebuke delivered just as critical nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington face fresh delays.
Newsweek has reached out the U.S. State Department and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
The remarks reflect heightened frustration in Tehran as diplomatic progress falters. Iran’s sharp criticism of Trump’s leadership, paired with a warning about worsening instability, adds further strain to a negotiation process already weakened by sanctions, threats, and deep distrust. With a postponed fourth round of talks and intensifying rhetoric, hopes for de-escalation are dwindling.
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Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/AP Photo
What to Know
Safavi, top military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Friday that Trump’s conduct is fueling America’s internal disorder and international isolation. “Trump’s destructive and unlawful behavior has disrupted America internally and created instability internationally,” he told Iranian state media.
Safavi added that Trump’s confrontational style has alienated allies and undercut international cooperation. “His confrontational approach has caused tensions with many countries and undermined global order,” he said, calling it a symptom of American decline.
Trump’s Threat
On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping threat on social media, warning that “any country or person” purchasing oil or petrochemicals from Iran will face immediate U.S. sanctions. He added that violators “will not be allowed to do business with the United States of America in any way, shape, or form.” China, Iran’s largest oil customer, is widely seen as a primary target of the message.
ALERT: All purchases of Iranian Oil, or Petrochemical products, must stop, NOW! Any Country or person who buys ANY AMOUNT of OIL or PETROCHEMICALS from Iran will be subject to, immediately, Secondary Sanctions. They will not be allowed to do business with the United States of…
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) May 1, 2025
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added to Trump’s stance, stating that Iran must end uranium enrichment and grant U.S. inspectors full access to its nuclear facilities or face severe consequences, including possible military action. “There’s no reason for enrichment unless you want a weapon,” Rubio told Fox News’ Hannity show.
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What People Are Saying
Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, senior military adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader said: “Trump’s destructive and unlawful behavior has disrupted America internally and created instability internationally.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated: “They have to walk away from sponsoring terrorists, they have to walk away from helping the Houthis (in Yemen), they have to walk away from building long-range missiles that have no purpose to exist other than having nuclear weapons, and they have to walk away from enrichment.”
What Happens Next
With talks stalled and rhetoric intensifying, Iran’s leadership is signaling that any further engagement will depend on a fundamental shift in Washington’s stance even as Trump doubles down on his hardline strategy.
