By SCM Foreign Desk
IRAN’S firebrand parliament speaker has sensationally slammed the door on peace talks with America, branding reports of secret negotiations “fake news.”
In a blistering outburst that will sent shockwaves through global markets, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf claimed rumours of a sit-down with Washington were a cynical ploy to “manipulate” oil prices.
The hardline leader insisted there would be no shaking hands with the West, declaring that his people are crying out for the “complete punishment” of their enemies.
‘Market Manipulation’
Ghalibaf, a former commander in the Revolutionary Guards, took to social media to pour cold water on claims that high-level envoys had met in secret.
”No negotiations have been held with the US,” he barked. He alleged that the reports were cooked up to help America and Israel escape a “quagmire” and to toy with the world’s financial and energy sectors.
The denial comes just hours after reports suggested Donald Trump’s team had been in “productive” contact with Tehran, even leading to a five-day pause in planned strikes on Iranian power plants.
Demanding Revenge
But if the West was hoping for a thaw in the 2026 conflict, Ghalibaf’s latest comments have frozen those hopes solid. He insisted:
“The people demand the complete and humiliating punishment of the aggressors. All officials stand firmly behind their Leader.”
The “punishment” likely refers to Iran’s “eye for an eye” policy, following a series of devastating strikes that have crippled infrastructure on both sides.
Background: A Region on the Brink
The latest spat follows a month of unprecedented escalation in the Middle East.
The Conflict: Tensions boiled over in early March 2026, leading to direct military exchanges between the US, Israel, and Iran.
The Leadership: Following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba has taken the reins, maintaining a defiant stance against Western intervention.
The Energy War: Both sides have targeted “bottleneck” infrastructure. Iran has repeatedly threatened to shut the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most important oil artery—if its own power plants are hit.
The ‘Fake’ Outreach: While US sources hinted at a diplomatic breakthrough to stabilize oil prices, Tehran’s top brass clearly aren’t ready to play ball.
Would you like me to draft a follow-up analysis on how these comments might affect UK petrol prices?
Emmanuel Ukudolo
Editor
starconnectmedia.com
08034007356
immaukudolo@gmail.com
immaukudolo@yahoo.com
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