WANA (May 17) – Ali Akbar Velayati, the Senior Advisor on International Affairs to Iran’s Supreme Leader, has warned that threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump are leading Washington into a dangerous “strategic trap” fueled by Israeli instigation.

 

In a statement posted on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Velayati pointed to what he described as growing desperation and miscalculations within the U.S. administration regarding its Middle East policy.

 

“Trump’s sterile diplomacy in Beijing and his return from China empty-handed, Abu Dhabi’s frustration and anger over the leak of Netanyahu’s secret visit to the country, and the Pentagon’s distorted data-making all reflect a severe calculation crisis in Washington,” Velayati wrote.

 

A ‘Heavy Price’ for Washington

The senior advisor cautioned that by aligning its regional policies so closely with Israel, the United States is jeopardizing its remaining influence in the region.

 

“Under such circumstances, Trump’s threats—which are being stoked by Tel Aviv’s instigations—amount to entering a strategic trap,” Velayati asserted. “Falling into this well using Israel’s rope will carry a heavy price.”

 

He concluded with a sharp critique of America’s regional standing, stating: “Soon, Washington will have to search with a lantern just to find the remnants of its credibility in West Asia.”