The remarks originated from U.S. conservative radio host Michael Savage during an episode of his show “The Savage Nation,” in which he criticized birthright citizenship in the United States and referred to countries including India and China in derogatory terms.

Trump reposted a transcript of the comments on his Truth Social platform on Thursday without adding his own remarks.

India’s foreign ministry responded strongly, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying the remarks were “obviously uninformed, inappropriate and in poor taste,” and did not reflect the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

“The remarks certainly do not reflect the reality of the India-U.S. relationship, which has long been based on mutual respect and shared interests,” Jaiswal said in a statement.

The U.S. embassy in New Delhi cited Trump as having previously described India as “a great country,” seeking to underscore the broader context of ties between the two nations.The comments come amid ongoing debate in the United States over birthright citizenship, with Trump pursuing restrictions that are currently under legal challenge in the Supreme Court.

Earlier this month, he attended a hearing on the issue in a rare presidential visit to the court.India’s main opposition Indian National Congress condemned the remarks as “extremely insulting,” urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally raise the issue with Washington.

Government data show approximately 5.5 million people of Indian origin reside in the United States, forming one of the largest Asian-origin communities alongside Chinese Americans.Despite the diplomatic friction, both countries have been engaged in efforts to strengthen economic ties.

Following a period of trade tensions, including the imposition of high U.S. tariffs on Indian goods last year, New Delhi and Washington are currently working toward a trade agreement aimed at boosting bilateral commerce and avoiding further tariff escalations.

“All U.S. Ships, Aircraft, and Military Personnel, with additional Ammunition, Weaponry will remain in place in, and around, Iran, until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with,” Trump said.He added that any failure to adhere to the terms would trigger a forceful response.

“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” he said.The remarks come amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran following weeks of heightened regional tensions.

The scope and durability of the truce remain uncertain as both sides continue to differ over key provisions, particularly Iran’s nuclear program.

Earlier on Wednesday, Iran said it would be “unreasonable” to proceed with negotiations toward a permanent peace agreement with Washington following intensified Israeli strikes on Lebanon, which Tehran cited as a destabilizing factor.

Significant gaps remain between the two sides on uranium enrichment. Trump has said Iran agreed to halt enrichment activities, while Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammed Bager Qalibaf, has maintained that Tehran retains the right to continue enrichment under the ceasefire terms.

Trump also reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a central objective of the agreement and said the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and secure.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned Tehran to restore access to the strategic shipping lane, which Iran has effectively closed since hostilities intensified. “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!!” he wrote, linking potential military action directly to the disruption of maritime traffic through the strait.

The president’s remarks, delivered in forceful language, underscored the growing pressure on Iran amid ongoing military exchanges. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy supplies, and its closure has heightened concerns over disruptions to oil shipments and broader economic repercussions.

Trump also said he would hold a news conference on Monday in the Oval Office following a U.S. military operation that rescued two American pilots whose aircraft had been downed in Iran. Details of the rescue mission were not elaborated in the statement.

The threat of strikes on infrastructure marks a potential widening of targets beyond military assets, signaling an escalation in U.S. strategy as tensions persist in the region. Iran has not publicly responded to Trump’s latest warning.

The developments come amid continued fighting involving U.S. and Israeli forces and Iranian targets, with both sides reporting damage to infrastructure and military assets over the past month.

In an interview with Fox News aired on Sunday, Trump outlined a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Iran, emphasizing that sanctions relief could enable Tehran to rebuild its economy, particularly in the aftermath of its conflict with Israel.

“If Iran behaves itself, I would consider waiving sanctions so they can sell oil and engage in normal economic activities,” Trump stated. He clarified, however, that any decision to ease restrictions would hinge on Iran proving it is not pursuing harmful actions.

“If they show they’re not going to do any more harm, I would take the sanctions off,” he added.

Trump’s remarks come amid mixed signals from his camp. On June 24, he announced on Truth Social that China could resume purchasing Iranian oil, suggesting a softening of sanctions.

The following day, he clarified that he was not seeking to cut off Iran’s oil revenues, citing the country’s need for funds to recover from its war with Israel. However, on Friday, Trump abruptly paused efforts to lift sanctions, citing inflammatory remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whom he described as expressing “anger, hatred, and disgust.”

Addressing accusations that his administration had permitted China to buy sanctioned Iranian oil, Trump firmly denied the claims during the Sunday interview, insisting that sanctions remain in place. He emphasized that any future relief would be contingent on Iran’s willingness to adopt a peaceful stance.

Trump also linked the prospect of sanctions relief to broader Middle East peace efforts, particularly the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. He described Iran as a historical obstacle to regional peace but suggested it could have joined the accords under different circumstances.

“Iran was the primary problem,” Trump said. “I thought there was a moment when they might have joined the Abraham Accords, but they’re worse off now.”

He hinted that new, unnamed countries have expressed interest in joining the accords following Iran’s recent setbacks, signaling potential momentum for expanded regional cooperation.

The comments reflect Trump’s broader approach to balancing economic pressure with diplomatic openings, a strategy that could reshape U.S.-Iran relations and influence Middle East dynamics if implemented.