Scott Ritter: Washington’s Iran Policy is Dictated by Israel
Tehran - BORNA - Scott Ritter, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer and former UN weapons inspector, expressed sharp criticism of Donald Trump, emphasizing that the United States has faced "humiliation" and "defeat" in its war against Iran. He noted that Washington has failed to achieve any of its objectives and is now facing a crisis that could destroy the global economy and Trump’s political future.
Regarding recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, Ritter stated that, contrary to U.S. claims, Washington has failed to reopen the waterway, as vessels attempting to pass have faced Iranian control. "The United States has a long history of lying and distorting reality," he added.
Referring to the situation of the Persian Gulf Arab states, Ritter noted that Bahrain has declared a state of emergency and Kuwait is on the verge of a similar decision, as these countries realize the consequences of hasty U.S. actions could be "fatal" for them.
Ritter also claimed that Iran has warned the U.S. through indirect contacts. In this context, he mentioned a long telephone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump, during which Putin emphasized that continued U.S. military actions would have "devastating" consequences for America, the region, and the world.
He clarified that the only way to contain the crisis is for the U.S. to withdraw, while fiercely attacking Trump’s inner circle: "Trump has surrounded himself with the stupidest people on Earth."
According to Ritter, U.S. policy toward Iran is effectively formulated by the "Foundation for Defense of Democracies" (FDD), a think tank he described as an "appendage of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs." He stated that this pro-Zionist think tank designs policies dictated to the U.S. government, resulting in nothing but failure.
In a conversation with Glenn Diesen, Ritter emphasized that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent repeatedly presents false information regarding Iran's economic status in American circles. However, contrary to Washington's claims, Iran continues to export its oil and generates significant foreign exchange revenue through trade with Pakistan.
Ritter also described U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth as an "alcoholic" pretending that the U.S. has "won" the war against Iran. Meanwhile, Ritter acknowledged that the U.S. has failed in all three of its key goals: regime change, destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, and eliminating Iran’s nuclear program
He added that even pro-war American journalists now admit that Iran has destroyed nearly all U.S. military infrastructure in the region. Ritter mocked the claims of American commanders, saying U.S. military officials live in a "fantasy world" and none of their assertions match reality.
He warned that Iran has declared that if U.S. military operations resume, it will destroy the oil infrastructure of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE—an action he said would mean the "physical removal" of these countries as viable states.
Ritter then directed harsh attacks at Trump personally, stating the primary issue is no longer just geopolitical, but that America is run by a president who is "mentally ill" and suffers from an extreme form of narcissism.
He added that instead of controlling him, Trump’s associates are merely reinforcing his delusions, and the Washington policy circle has become a "personality cult" centered on Trump.
He warned that if oil prices reach $200, the U.S. economy will "collapse" and the global economy will crumble. The former intelligence officer added that while the American people know nothing about West Asia, they fully understand rising gasoline prices. He stated that soon no planes will fly due to a lack of fuel, noting that the energy crisis has already reached a dangerous stage with thousands of flight cancellations in Europe.
He emphasized that Trump’s political future is "over" and the U.S. President has committed "political suicide," but to save America, he must accept defeat. He further asserted that all U.S. media narratives regarding the success of the blockade on Iran have been "Israeli propaganda" and none were true.
Comparing the situation to the Gulf War experience, Ritter said the U.S. had failed to achieve its strategic goals then as well, and now, "in 40 days of bombing against Iran, it has effectively accomplished nothing."
Ritter concluded by stating that America's main problem is its inability to accept reality, and its entire political and media structure is built on "lies."
"America has gone mad. Our media has lost the ability to tell the truth. We live in a world where reality no longer matters," he said.
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