Ismail Baghaei mocks US with ‘The Simpsons’ cartoon image

TEHRAN: Iran has turned to satire in its latest criticism of the United States, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei sharing an image from the popular animated series The Simpsons to mock Washington over tensions surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Baghaei shared the image on social media platform X while accusing the United States of disrupting commercial shipping in the strategic waterway and then attempting to blame Iran for the consequences.

The Iranian spokesman argued that the Strait of Hormuz had remained fully open to commercial navigation before what he described as US and Israeli attacks on Feb 28.

According to Baghaei, Washington had imposed what he called an “illegal and brutal war” on the region, resulting in disruption to commercial shipping and contributing to higher energy prices.

He further accused the United States of trying to shift responsibility for the disruption it had allegedly created onto Iran while expecting the international community to bear the financial consequences.

The Simpsons image added a deliberately humorous touch to the otherwise serious diplomatic dispute. It shows the animated characters Homer and Bart Simpson standing near spreading flames, with Bart reassuring Homer that there is no need to worry because the fire is supposedly under control.

Baghaei used the scene as a metaphor for what he portrayed as Washington’s approach to the regional crisis.

He said the United States had started the conflict but wanted the rest of the world to pay its price while portraying Iran as responsible for the resulting chaos.

The Iranian official described Washington’s position on the Strait of Hormuz as “extremely ridiculous,” further intensifying Tehran’s criticism of US policy.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, making any disruption there a major concern for international markets. Tensions around the waterway can affect shipping costs, energy supplies and oil prices far beyond the Middle East.

Baghaei’s use of The Simpsons reflects the increasingly sharp and unconventional nature of the public messaging surrounding the dispute. While the cartoon reference was intended as satire, his comments underline the seriousness of Iran’s accusations against Washington.

The latest exchange comes amid continuing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel, with control, security and commercial navigation in the Gulf remaining highly sensitive issues.