India, China cradles of civilisation: Iran hits back at Trump's 'hellhole' jibe

Iran came to the defence of India and China, calling them "cradles of civilisation" after US President Donald Trump, quoting a letter, described the two countries as "hellholes."

In Short

• Iran calls Trump 'war-criminal president' over 'hellhole' jibe at India, China
• Trump calls India and China 'hellholes' in controversial letter
• Letter criticises US birthright citizenship and immigrant employment

Iran on Thursday defended India and China, calling them “cradles of civilisation” after US President Donald Trump, quoting a letter, referred to the two Asian giants as “hellholes.”

“China and India are the cradles of civilisation. In fact, the hellhole is where its war-criminal president threatened to decimate civilisation in Iran,” the Iranian Embassy in Hyderabad wrote on X.

India and China are two of the world’s oldest living civilisations and trace their cultural and historical roots back more than 4,000 years. By contrast, the US was founded in 1776 and is approaching its 250th year of existence on July 4.

Iran's reaction came after Trump posted a controversial letter on Truth Social, criticising birthright citizenship in the US and alleging that immigrants exploit American systems, while describing countries such as India and China as “hellholes.”

The controversy stems from a letter shared by Trump, which criticises hiring trends in California’s technology industry. The post alleges that employment opportunities are disproportionately occupied by people from India and China, though it does not present evidence to substantiate the claim.

At the heart of the letter is the contentious debate over birthright citizenship in the US – a long-running political and legal issue that has regained prominence in recent years. The argument suggests that children born on American soil automatically gain citizenship, which then allows their families to immigrate through sponsorship pathways.

“A baby here becomes an instant citizen, and then they bring in their entire family from China, or India or some other hellhole on the planet,” the letter stated.

The broader debate centres on the constitutional interpretation of birthright citizenship, which currently grants nationality to most individuals born in the US. The Trump administration has sought to challenge this understanding, and the issue remains under review by the US Supreme Court.

US-IRAN CEASEFIRE IN PLACE

The letter controversy also came against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire involving Iran, extended by Trump this week amid uncertainty over a second round of negotiations. While signalling a pause in hostilities, Trump said a US naval blockade around the Strait of Hormuz remains in place. Tehran has criticised the move, calling it inconsistent with the spirit of the ceasefire.

Pressure on Iran through restrictions around the Strait of Hormuz – a key maritime route carrying a fifth of the world’s oil shipments--has heightened volatility in global energy markets.

For India, which relies heavily on imported crude and gas, disruptions in Gulf energy flows present a major vulnerability. China is considered better positioned to absorb shocks due to larger strategic reserves and a more diversified energy portfolio, while India faces greater exposure, particularly in supplies of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

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