Iran speaker slams US Treasury chief's 'liar' claims on economic pressure

Social media rebuttal

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on Saturday dismissed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's assertions that Washington's economic blockade would cripple the Islamic Republic. Posting on X, Qalibaf said: “Liar, liar, pants on fire,” directly challenging the Treasury Secretary's remarks about oil market interventions.

Qalibaf urged Bessent to review what he called the “real 130s” rather than focusing on oil volumes, citing Moody's figures that showed over $130 billion in war-related costs. He specifically referenced US trading firm Jane Street, stating it had lost more than $130 million betting on lower oil prices during a single rollover of futures contracts.

Market reaction

The parliament speaker also shared an article by economist Paul Krugman titled “Scott Bessent Fails to Gaslight the Market.” Qalibaf added his own commentary that “Liar, liar, yields on fire,” suggesting that financial markets had rejected the Treasury Secretary's narrative.

Background on hostilities

Bessent had earlier stated that “the blockade and Operation Economic Outcast will crush the failing Iranian economy,” emphasizing Washington's strategy of isolating Tehran while boosting global oil supply. Tensions have remained elevated since the war began with strikes on Iran in late February, with the two sides signing a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad in June following mediation by Pakistan and Qatar — though implementation has since faced difficulties as Tehran accuses Washington of failing to fulfill its commitments.