Daijiworld Media Network - Tehran
Tehran, Sep 22: Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has accused the United States of being responsible for the current fuel price crisis, saying Washington created the circumstances that led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruption of commercial shipping.
In a post on X, Baghaei criticised US officials for blaming Iran for rising fuel prices and said the public would not forget “who actually initiated the war of aggression”.
He claimed that US actions had created the crisis that resulted in the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and affected commercial shipping and energy supplies.
Baghaei questioned the logic of blaming Iran for the consequences of what he described as an unlawful “war of choice”. He asked whether such an approach should be regarded as “strategic brilliance” or instead as a textbook example of what he called “The March of Folly”.
The remarks come amid continued disruption and uncertainty surrounding shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route. Oil prices have remained volatile as markets assess developments involving the US, Iran and shipping in the region. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Brent crude had risen above $101 a barrel amid expectations of possible diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran.
Baghaei has previously accused Washington of disrupting normal commercial shipping through the Strait. In an earlier statement, he said the waterway had remained open until the conflict began and accused the US of creating conditions in which tankers were halted, trade was disrupted and energy prices increased.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints, and prolonged disruption can affect crude oil, fuel and shipping costs well beyond the region. The latest developments have therefore continued to attract close attention from energy markets and governments around the world.
The United States and Iran have continued to exchange accusations over responsibility for the regional crisis, while diplomatic contacts and efforts to ease tensions remain under discussion.