Iranian Speaker Denounces US Treasury Secretary’s Economic Assertions

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s claim on Saturday that Washington’s blockade and economic measures would crush the Iranian economy, according to Anadolu.

In a post on X, Qalibaf responded to Bessent’s assertion that the United States had added 130 million barrels of oil to the market over the past two weeks by dismissing the statement as false and labeling the Treasury chief a liar.

He pointed to what he called the “real 130s,” urging Bessent’s staff to review Moody’s data, which he said indicated over $130 billion in war‑related costs.

Qalibaf asserted that US trading firm Jane Street lost more than $130 million after betting on falling oil prices in a single futures rollover.

He further criticized Bessent, sharing an article by economist Paul Krugman titled “Scott Bessent Fails to Gaslight the Market,” highlighting the discrepancy in yields.

Bessent had earlier stated that “the blockade and Operation Economic Outcast will crush the failing Iranian economy,” alleging that the United States had placed 130 million barrels of oil onto the market over the preceding two weeks.

Tensions between Tehran and Washington have remained elevated since the conflict escalated with strikes on Iran in late February. Iran responded by targeting US military positions and assets in Arab nations aligned with Washington.

In June, Tehran and Washington signed a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad, brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, to end hostilities and set the stage for negotiations.

However, implementation of the agreement has encountered obstacles, with Tehran accusing Washington of not meeting its obligations.

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