‘Big liar’: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attack Trump as US-Iran war tensions rise

Tehran: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have accused US President Donald Trump of misleading Americans about Iran’s nuclear programme and the impact of the conflict on energy shipments through the Gulf, as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military tensions.

A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Hossein Mohebbi, on Tuesday called US President Donald Trump a “big liar” and accused Washington of misrepresenting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the effectiveness of restrictions on energy shipments from the Gulf.

Mohebbi said Iran was not seeking nuclear weapons and argued that the US opposition was instead focused on Iran’s broader regional influence. His comments came as Trump continues to cite preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon as one of the reasons for the US military campaign.

Iran disputes US claims over Strait of Hormuz

Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf separately warned that regional oil exports could be affected if Iran is prevented from selling its own crude.

Ghalibaf said no country in the region would be able to export oil if Iran could not export its oil, according to Iranian state media. He also warned that regional infrastructure would not be secure without guarantees for Iran’s security.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the confrontation because it is a major route for global energy shipments. Recent ship-tracking data shows that some oil and LNG traffic has continued through the waterway despite the conflict, although flows remain disrupted compared with pre-war levels.

Trump has rejected reports that his administration offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for progress on its nuclear programme.

Reuters reported that Trump said the reports were “untrue” and that he had offered Iran nothing. Reports citing unnamed US officials had suggested that sanctions relief could be considered in return for concrete steps on the nuclear issue.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has continued indirect contacts with the US through mediators, with discussions taking place around possible proposals to end the conflict.

Oil markets remain under pressure

Oil prices remained elevated on Tuesday as markets continued to assess the risk of disruptions to Middle Eastern energy supplies. Reuters reported that Brent crude was around $105 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate was around $92, with both benchmarks still on course for monthly gains.

The prolonged conflict has also intensified economic pressure inside Iran. Reuters reported that rising prices, high rents, shortages and weaker business activity are affecting households and businesses as restrictions on oil exports reduce the country's financial income.

The latest statements come as Washington and Tehran continue to exchange accusations while mediators work on possible diplomatic arrangements. Trump has said the US expects the conflict to end quickly, while Iranian officials continue to reject US demands and defend Iran's position on its nuclear programme and energy exports.