Iran blames US for fuel price surge

Iran blames US for fuel price surge

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei has strongly rejected accusations by US officials that Tehran is responsible for the sharp rise in global fuel prices, arguing that Washington itself bears responsibility for the crisis affecting international energy markets.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Baghaei said the latest surge in oil prices resulted primarily from actions taken by the United States. He criticised American officials for blaming Iran for disruptions to the global energy supply while, in his view, ignoring the circumstances that led to the current crisis.

Baghaei questioned whether the public was expected to forget who initiated the conflict and which developments ultimately contributed to instability in the region. He linked the disruption in commercial shipping and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to the broader conflict, saying these developments had created serious consequences for global energy supplies and international trade.

The Iranian spokesman also criticised what he described as an attempt by the party that initiated the conflict to shift responsibility for its consequences onto the affected side.

“If the side that starts an unlawful war then blames the affected party for the crisis that follows, should this be considered extraordinary skill or simply a traditional example of a march of folly?” Baghaei wrote.

His remarks came amid heightened concerns over energy supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for global oil and gas shipments. Any prolonged disruption in the waterway can put pressure on international energy markets and raise concerns over supply and transportation costs.

In a separate post, Baghaei said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had arrived in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly session.

According to Baghaei, Araghchi is scheduled to hold meetings and consultations with foreign ministers and other officials during his stay in New York. The diplomatic engagements are expected to focus on regional developments and international issues facing Iran.

Baghaei’s comments reflect Tehran’s broader effort to reject US criticism and place responsibility for the current energy and shipping disruptions on Washington’s policies and military actions.