Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has sharply accused the United States of devising a strategy aimed at fragmenting Iran and illegally appropriating its vast oil resources. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, 9 March, Baghaei condemned Washington’s actions in unequivocal terms, describing the alleged plan as “now as clear as daylight.”
Baghaei asserted that the core objective behind the US manoeuvres is to undermine Iran’s sovereignty and establish control over its natural resources without legal authority. He further claimed that the US is not solely pursuing economic interests but is also intent on weakening the Iranian populace and diminishing their human dignity through engineered conflict. He warned that any attempt to partition Iranian territory or to seize its assets would be met with resolute resistance.
Analysts note that Baghaei’s remarks reflect the broader context of enduring political and military tensions between Tehran and Washington. Relations between the two countries have been strained for decades, primarily due to disputes over nuclear development, regional influence, and control of strategic energy resources. The re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran’s oil and banking sectors in 2018, following the United States’ withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), has intensified these strains, severely affecting Iran’s economy and its population.
Key Points in Iran-US Tensions
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Economic Sanctions | US sanctions target Iran’s oil exports, banking, and trade sectors, limiting revenue and foreign investment. |
| Regional Influence | Iran exerts political and military influence in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen; the US maintains significant presence in the Middle East. |
| Energy Resources | Iran possesses one of the world’s largest oil and gas reserves, making it a strategic target for global powers. |
| Military Escalation | Periodic confrontations occur, including maritime incidents and threats near military installations in the Persian Gulf. |
Baghaei’s comments come amid heightened regional tensions, with analysts warning that continued pressure on Iran could exacerbate instability in the Middle East. The country’s strategic location and its substantial energy reserves make it a pivotal actor, while repeated accusations from Tehran highlight the perception that US policies are designed to extract maximum geopolitical and economic advantage.
Experts emphasise that any unilateral action to exploit Iranian resources would violate international law and risk further escalation. The ongoing discord between Tehran and Washington thus remains a significant factor influencing not only regional security but also global oil markets, given Iran’s central role as a major crude oil supplier.
Baghaei concluded by affirming that Iran remains committed to defending its sovereignty and resources, signalling that diplomatic and strategic countermeasures will continue in response to any perceived threats from foreign powers.